For those of you who are as behind on the times as I am, I have a present.

Imagine a world in which melancholy fairy-tales are entwined with Victorian horror stories, where madness and monsters are just as likely to end a war as a command from a general, and where black and white woodcuts can frighten a 23 year old into jumping at the slightest sound.

Welcome to my last few days reading Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Vampire.

I’ll be honest, the title is what drew me in first because I am a huge fan of folklore/fairytale cross-overs, but the cover art is quite beautiful and Mike Mignola did not disappoint throughout the book. I’ve not read much of his work, but I may have to now. If only I could somehow convince him and Guillermo del Toro to turn this into a movie…

Plot Summary: In the wake of World War I, three travellers meet at tavern at the behest of their mutual friend Lord Henry Baltimore. As the shadows lengthen each shares his connection with their absent companion and a tale of the evil and darkness they have confronted in their past. Nothing can compare, though, to what Baltimore has been through - what he has unleashed upon the world - and he has called them together to bear witness to the truth of it.

Rating: 8/10 stars (only because I would have loved more artwork!)

I can’t believe I’m so late in reading this, but at least I’ve finally found it. I will now force everyone I know to read it, as well. It’s just so good. If you’re looking for a book with an ending that makes you want to shout “Huzzah!” as you slam the covers shut, look no further.