The Secret Life of Laszlo, Count Dracula

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Summary: Secret Life of Rod Anscombe
Review: A first rate novel with an eminently appropriate title. Little touted, little advertised, it seems to be unknown, as is the author. Written in a style that closely approximates that of the mid- and late 19th century. Shows knowledge of European history and the history of medicine and, in particular, knowledge of the Austro-Hungarian empire in that era. But, of course, it is the literary style and the characterization that is of central importance. It is surprising that a writer so skilled is so little known. Of course, I may simply be uninformed.

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Summary: An Amazing Psychologial Thriller
Review: I have to strongly disagree with all who claim that this book is not scary. While the book takes a (welcome) turn from the mythical and supernatural vampire lore, it is anything but tame. The beauty and horror of Laslow is that it could actually have happened. Roderick Anscombe takes you inside the mind of the famous Translyvanian serial killer allowing you to glimpse what drives him to his deeds and also the disgust he feels for his own actions. He fights his dark desires while he can, but his "hunger" for blood always wins in the end. His pyschological obsession for it overcomes even the physical need portrayed in classical Vampire legend. All in all and excellent read, mind expanding and thought provoking. Silence of the Lambs meets Hamlet.

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Summary: A Truly Great Classic Horror Novel
Review: The Ad on the cover of the paperback novel summarizes this book perfectly: "Think Hannibal Lecter by way of Anne Rice". Roderick Anscombe has created a fabulous horror novel with an enchanting style and storytelling of an Anne Rice. You are captured in the very first page of this 400+ page book and it is indeed hard to put this one down.

One word of caution for those looking for a true 'Vampire' novel.... you will not find it in this book. The Count Laszlo Dracula portrayed in this story is a 'real' live man, a real count, who has no special Vampiric powers. The struggle of the Hungarian Count is an obsession to savagely rip the throats of young women and lick the blood as it flows. His internal turmoil is his struggle and shapes what his life has become.

The psychological drama of the story is beautifully portrayed in every aspect of the Count's life; his internal struggle between good and evil, a doctor and yet a brutal killer, and a fiend behind the saint. Mr. Anscombe has indeed created a wonderful story of the internal strife of a man, with the style of an Anne Rice, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and the brutality of a Hannibal Lecter.