Fred Saberhagen - Dracula Sequence 01 - The Dracula Tape

The transcription of a cassette tape found in a car abandoned during a snowstorm in England recounts the story of Dracula as told by the vampire himself. He paints himself as the hero, of course, and Van Helsing as a boorish, evil man.

The story is quite entertaining in that it contrasts 'journal entries' from Helsing, and the Harkers with Dracula's recollection of the events from Harkers trip to Transylvania to events in England, and back to Dracula's castle and his apparent demise. Some of the Victorian language is a bit off-putting, but the story is rather amusing. Saberhagen paints Dracula quite well as a believable and sympathetic character.

Definitely written well enough to read more books in the series. I have 9 of them but there may be more. Also may want to read The Frankenstein Papers, by Saberhagen; as well I should read the original Dracula by Bram Stoker -- see if any of the Victorian language used by Saberhagen is taken directly from the original book.

If your are looking for a vampire series without the teenage angst or kinky sex common in the current crop, then check out the first book of this series.