Carmilla (1872) is a Gothic novel that begins when Laura, a young woman living with her father in an isolated castle in Styria, receives an unexpected visit from Carmilla, a mysterious young woman who, following an accident during her journey, stays as a guest at the family home.

As the two young women grow closer, Laura finds herself increasingly fascinated by her new companion. However, Carmilla's strange behaviour, her prolonged absences at night and the unsettling secrets surrounding her past arouse a growing unease. At the same time, a series of strange illnesses and deaths begin to spread throughout the region, fuelling rumours and fears amongst the local inhabitants.

As she tries to make sense of the events unfolding around her, Laura finds herself caught up in an atmosphere of mystery, attraction and danger where nothing is quite what it seems and where an ancient threat appears to have returned to disrupt the peace of the place.