This terrifically enjoyable mash-up of vampire tale, the
ripper murders and a whole lot more besides sees Count Dracula, having defeated
Van Helsing, reigning over the Empire as Prince Consort to Victoria. The undead
are increasingly ubiquitous, and turning to the dark side is a route to social
success. In a witty touch, we know from the start that, rather than the obvious
option of the ripper being a bloodsucker, the murderer is actually a vampire
slayer seeking revenge for past wrongs.
Much of the fun stems from the rampant references to both
fictional and historical figures who pop up and effect the action. What fun to
have Henry Wilcox from Howard’s End rub up alongside Dr Jekyll, Mycroft Holmes,
Lenin and Joseph Merrick.
There are sequels. There will be blood.