"On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed under mysterious circumstances. His calculating father, Manfred, fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself-despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful prince of Otranto, begins to unfold.
First published pseudonymously in 1765, The Castle of Otranto purported to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades and is a founding work of gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions, and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker."
"Welcome to Shakespeare's London, a world where the stage captures the hearts of every citizen, and where darkness hides dangerous and vengeful creatures. It is in this darkness that Shakespeare finds himself the victim of treachery most foul.
When Shakespeare is contacted by his dark mistress, the former love of his life, he is excited to see her again after the long separation. But to his horror, he finds that the years have not been kind; she is now disease-ridden and near death, and intends to blackmail him, threatening to expose their affair unless he pays her considerable doctors' bills.
When a sudden fire takes her life the only witness is brutally murdered, making Shakespeare the primary suspect. With his reputation and his life itself on the line, Shakespeare must put down his quill and brace himself for a mystery like none other."
