The House of the Vampire

This isn't a book about your traditional bloodsucking vampire, but rather a mental vampire. Ernest, a young writer, moves in with Reginald Clarke, a successful writer. Reginald has a habit of taking young creative types under his wing and Ernest thinks he can benefit from Clarke's genius and patronage (or, as the book's purple prose states: "He needed the voice of loving kindness to call him back from the valley of haunting shadows, where his poet's soul was want to linger overlong; in his hours of weakness the light caress of a comrade renewed his strength and rekindled in his hand the flaming sword of song."). But is there more to Clarke's generous offer than meets the eye? Quickly Ernest begins to struggle with his writing and the new works that Clarke presents seem strangely familiar to him. Clarke's ex-wife (the excellently named Ethel Brandenbourg) attempts to intervene to save Ernest before it is too late.

I don't know where the idea that this book was a gay novel came from. There's really no sexual overtones and all of the main characters are interested in people of the opposite sex at various points in time. There are only two kisses in the entire book and that's as far as it goes. So if you wanted this book for sex, look elsewhere.

That said, this is really a splendid read. The ending is the most shocking part, so make sure to read to the very end. Definitely a twist you don't expect. The whole concept of a vampire who is focused on becoming a literary genius by stealing artistic ability is fresh and exciting. Highly recommended.