Deviating from traditional tales that feature lonely vampires who prowl through human society in search of victims or solace, this account of vampires flourishing in their own "inhuman society" takes place in the year 1860, when their centuries-long breeding experiments have finally produced "The Golden," a mortal whose blood is perfect and powerful.

Mobilized by the news of this discovery, aristocratic vampire clans arrive at the looming Castle Banat, where they plan to partake of the sublime blood. To their shock, the guests find that The Golden, a young girl, has been brutally murdered and her blood already drained.

The story follows the inquest by Michael Beheim, a vampire assigned to track down the killer.

Recounted in true 19th-century literary style with surreal gothic elements, the story weaves its way through the castle, revealing its secrets.

Shepard's vampires are also some of the all-too-few who indulge in passionate sex with each other, adding to the many delights of a truly unique tale.