Set in Mercia, a small part of the English county of Derbyshire, the novel focuses on the events experienced by Adam Salton in the town he gradually discovers to be host to mysterious and inexplicable occurrences, which are further intensified with its equally eccentric residents. Exploring topics including mesmerism, occultism, and supernatural forces, Stoker’s piece depicts all the essential elements of a thrilling horror story.

The horror novel gets under way with the introduction of Adam Salton, a young man originally from Australia, who receives word from his great-uncle Richard Salton inviting him to live with him on his es...