Book & Audio Review: The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

The Dead Travel Fast
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Narrator: Charlotte Perry
Publication: MIRA; Original edition (July 12, 2021); Harlequin Books (March 1, 2010)
Length: 318 p.; 10 hours and 4 minutes

Description: A husband, a family, a comfortable life: Theodora Lestrange lives in terror of it all.

With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh—and a disappointed suitor—far behind. She is bound for Romania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence.

She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians, replete with eccentric inhabitants: the ailing dowager; the troubled steward; her own fearful friend, Cosmina. But all are outstripped in dark glamour by the castle’s master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.

Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, the brooding nobleman ignites Theodora’s imagination and awakens passions in her that she can neither deny nor conceal. His allure is superlative, his dominion over the superstitious town, absolute—Theodora may simply be one more person under his sway.

Before her sojourn is ended—or her novel completed—Theodora will have encountered things as strange and terrible as they are seductive. For obsession can prove fatal…and she is in danger of falling prey to more than desire.

My Thoughts: Theodora Lestrange has just lost her grandfather and thinks this would be a perfect time to take control of her own life. With a modest inheritance, she decides to visit an old school friend in the Carpathians to work on finishing her novel. She leaves behind her publisher who would very much like to be her husband. But Theodora does want a life of domesticity when she can have a life of adventure. 

She arrives at an isolated castle complete with an ailing countess, her companion, the companion's son who is the steward, and her school friend Cosmina. Also present is the new master of the castle Count Andrei Dragulescu who is back from his life in Paris now that his father has died. 

This story is filled with Gothic goodness. From the werewolves in the woods to vampires in the castle, all the elements are here. From a hero who has spent years seducing women in Paris to a heroine who has plans for a career and an independent life, the characters also run the gamut. 

The story has elements of horror, a murder, an exhumation of the former count's body, and elements of romance as our heroine lets herself be seduced by and fall in love with the count. I enjoyed the setting and atmosphere of this story. I thought the writing was both descriptive and engaging. Charlotte Perry did an excellent job in bringing the author's words to life with her narration. 

Favorite Quote:

"I do not require love," he said stonily.

"We all of us require love," I replied. "You think me childish and silly for clinging to the promise of it, but it is human to want happiness, and if there is happiness without love I am not convinced of it."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.