The Vurdulak's Family: A Russian Vampire Tale

First published in 1839 this was one of the very first Russian vampire stories penned by a Russian. This haunting tale tells of an nobleman who stumbles upon a village in Moldavia that is shortly thereafter overtaken by vampires (vurdulaks). It includes a healthy mixture of mysterious village customs, haunting characters, an attractive young village girl, unrequited love, and a fair bit of tension and horror. A great, short read!