Scamfluencers - Listen Now: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Episode Date: October 1, 2026

For centuries, Dracula has evaded capture. Enter Mina Harker.  Audible presents Dracula, a brand-new, full-cast adaptation of Bram Stoker's masterpiece starring Ella Purnell, Jonathan Bailey, Aimee Lou Wood, Louis Partridge, David Jonsson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. When her fiancé vanishes in Transylvania, Mina pieces together letters, diary entries and chilling testimony to hunt the predator stalking those she loves: only to discover he's already hunting her. Dracula lurks in shadow, slips into dreams, and casts no reflection. To nearly all, he defies detection: beyond what the eye can see, and what the mind can comprehend. When her closest friend Lucy succumbs to his thrall, the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing is summoned to wage war on this unfathomable threat. But it is Mina, her intellect, her resolve, her gift for drawing the unseen lines between clues, who holds the key to stopping this ancient killer. If he hasn't already found his way inside her mind…  Starring Ella Purnell (Fallout) as Mina, Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) as Dracula, Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) as Jonathan, David Jonsson (Industry) as Dr Seward, Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) as Lucy, Johnny Flynn (Emma) as Renfield, Lesley Manville (The Phantom Thread) as Mrs. Westenra, and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight) as Professor Van Helsing, this is Bram Stoker's groundbreaking epistolary novel, given a new lease of life. Directed by Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary) featuring an original score by Ilan Eshkeri (Audible's 1984, House of Guinness) and with full sound design, Audible's Dracula invites you to feel the terror of being hunted. And the thrill of the hunt.  Audible subscribers can start listening right now. Join Audible in the Audible App. Listen now: HERE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm about to play a chapter from Bram Stoker's Dracula, an Audible original. Listen to Dracula, a new full-cast audiobook thriller, now only on Audible. Audible subscribers can start listening right now. Start your Audible subscription by downloading the Audible app. This production is an immersive listening experience. Some of what follows may disturb you. Listener discretion is advised. And I am afraid.

I put my trust in you, in God whose word I, Mina, praise. In God I trust, and I am not afraid. And I am not afraid. In God I trust and I am not afraid. In God I trust and I am not afraid. In God I trust. Dear Lucy, forgive my delay in writing. I have not been my mind.

Myself, something is very wrong. Since Jonathan's departure, a strange gnawing deep in my stomach, I am afraid that something terrible is going to happen to Jonathan. I find myself alert to the world around me, in search of signs and reassurances. I chew on food that I cannot taste, and I am afraid to be alone as though... Lucy, would you think me mad if I told you that in an empty... room, I feel her presence, as though the room has come to life and is staring back at me. Oh, not that. Dear Lucy, forgive my long delay in writing, but I have simply been overwhelmed with work. The life of an assistant school mistress is sometimes trying.

I miss you. I long to be with you by the sea Where we can talk together freely I know it will be as lovely as last year I wish Jonathan was coming with us He did say he would join when he could I have just had a few hurried lines from him From Transylvania

He says he is well and will be returning soon I think things which I cannot bring myself to write I will be with you soon Love, Mina. Hello? No, I'm a prisoner. Looking for me. Audible presents.

Bram Stoker's Dracula, a full cast original adaptation. Starring Jonathan Bailey, Ella Pernel, Amy Lou Wood, Louis Partridge, David Johnson, and Maggie Jivenhall.

Writtenhall, Robin Ahern. Directed by Mary Lambert, with an original score by Ilan Eshkery. I have a carriage waiting. I have so much to tell you. This is lovely, Mina. It's at the Royal Crescent,

and it's a good distance from everything. Oh, it is so peaceful here. It really is. You see there? That's the beginning of town, where you can see the ruins of Whitby Abbey. It is beautifully romantic. There is legend

that a white lady is seen in one of the windows. Oh, Lucy! Oh, you really know how to frighten me. Oh, but wait until you see the other church. It has a huge graveyard full of tombstones. It's the nicest spot in Whitby. It has a full view of the harbour and the bay stretching out to the sea.

People go and sit there all day long, looking at the view and enjoying the breeze. Oh, I'll show you. Could you stop by the graveyard? Isn't your mother expecting us? Ah, she can wait. You've got to see it while it's light. while it's light. And I want you to myself a little longer.

Oh, this is beguiling. Such views, and from a graveyard, no less. Let's sit. Here. It's so long since I felt your hand in mine. Yours feels different now. They are calloused. School is not what I thought.

I often feel like a prison guard. I am told that children have a wickedness. Well, I am told that children have a wickedness. told we women do too. Yes, I believe the responsibility for most of the world's evils lies with us. Yes, I can still taste it, the lingering sharpness of the original apple that remains in our mouth. Yes, this is well worth the stop. I shall come here very often and write.

Is this for your diary? My journal, yes. What does one write in a journal? Anything. Thoughts, conversations. I find it clarifying, having somewhere to put everything. Mina, you wrote in your letter that you longed to be here with me so we could talk freely? Huh. Um, how to explain it? I'm afraid. Afraid? I think something awful may have happened to Jonathan.

Jonathan. But why? He's only a way on business. Your letter said you'd heard from him that he was due to return soon. I know, that's what I said. But Lucy, this letter... It is his writing, and yet it does not read like him.

I can't make sense of it. May I see it? It is one line. I am well and will return shortly. Perhaps it was sent in haste. He wanted to send a correspondence. Yes, and... But what if...

What if he is in danger? This thought I have... It is like a worm that has borrowed into my skull. I cannot sit idly by. I've written to his employer, Mr. Dawkins. I have it here. I've asked him to send on any correspondence he received from Jonathan. There is more to this, Lucy.

I am sure of it. Come. We will send your letter together. What would summer be without a little rain? I can't believe how suddenly it has come on. Come to bed, Penha. I find it strangely comforting. Get some sleep.

I'm sure it will do you a world of good. Nothing bad is going to happen. I hope you are right. But this worm in my brain wriggling. Mr. Dawkins will reply, and with news, I know it. Thank you, Lerner. Lucy. Good night, my Mina. Good night, Lucy. Lucy, I think you're talking in your sleep. Lucy, Lucy, I... Lucy, you scared me. I don't want to see that. I thought you were asleep.

Who is she? What are you staring? You got back. Who is she? Lucy. Who is that? The man stood behind you. There's no one else here. Lucy! No! Lucy, stop!

Oh, Lucy! Stop it! No! Lucy! Why are you shaking me? You... Well, you were muttering in your sleep, but... But your eyes were open.

No. No, I was just dreaming. Strange dreams. Strange dreams. Oh, oh God, whose word, I prays. Praise. In God I trust and I am not afraid. Not afraid. Lucy, you sure you don't want to turn back for your scarf? No, Mama. This wind is so warm. It's just what I need. Arthur, I hope it's this warm on our wedding day. Lucy, wait for me.

She looks well. Preetiness is a curse. You know, my mother told me that. The pretty among us. A tragedy bound. One cannot be pretty forever. It would be a violation. Everything ages and fades, Mina. Shall we turn back? No, no. No, we can stop a moment.

Please tell me, did she sleep, walk, last night? Yes, I am afraid so. I thought nothing of it the first night, but it does appear to be getting worse. How so? Initially, she was mumbling odd things in her sleep, walking to the window and then back to bed, but the other night I found her trying to open the bedroom door. That is concerning. I've started locking it.

I'm worried she may injure herself or fall. I keep the key around my wrist while we sleep. Oh, was I wrong to tell you? No, not at all. Being a mother means being always. worried. I should know. I mean to protect my daughter. Oh. As long as I'm here. Oh, Mrs. West... Lucy, it does not know. She's so happy. I'm at peace, Mina. It is the order of things, you see. Children are supposed to bury their parents. Arthur will be leaving us soon. His father is also ill.

Funny sort of coincidence. I'm glad she has you for company. I know you'll take good care of her. I will. For me? You must open it right away. Well, Mina, what does it say? Huh.

Well, this can't be it. All this time waiting and this is it. Dear Miss Murray, thank you for your letter. Please see Jonathan's correspondence enclosed. I trust this will ease your worries. I don't understand. I am well, and I'm starting home. I will return soon, Jonathan Harker.

Meena, try not to worry. Perhaps we were being overly fretful? No, no, it will not do. It is just like the other. It is him, his writing, but it is not him, Lucy. Afternoon, Miss Lucy. Miss Miss Miss Mina. Good afternoon, Mr Swales.

And hello to you too, Dad. Hello. You've seen. There's a strange ship out. I can't make her out. She's been knocking about in the strangest way, like she doesn't know her mind. What do you mean?

Well, she seems to see the storm coming, but can't decide whether to run up north in the open or to put it in here. Oh, look, there again. It might as strangely. We'll hear more before this time tomorrow. It looks to be a mighty storm. Are you frightened of the storm?

In a sense? I can imagine your thoughts. You are hoping that wherever Jonathan is, he is not at sea. Not tonight. And how are you feeling? Exhausted from our rambling. Quite. Shall we say a prayer tonight?

If you like? Yes. One for those at sea. You have a prayer book somewhere? Yes, I do. Lucy. What? I'm just getting in with you for our prayer. Don't fret.

It's too hot to share a bed. Here's one. O eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea, who has compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end. What's this?

On your wrist. Ow! Careful! Is this the key to the bedroom door? I wondered how you'd been locking it so discreetly. Well, you're not cross, are you? No. I don't think so. You're only looking after me.

I think I'll return to my bed and get some sleep. Night meaner. Sweet dreams. You too. Lucy, wake up. Lucy, stop. Lucy! Lucy, please, stop it!

Lucy! I must have been dreaming. The man at the foot of my bed. It was just a dream, Lucy. Are you feeling well? Shall I fetch your mother? Maybe some water. No, no, please.

I don't want to worry. I'll come back to bed, Lucy. I'm here. Yes. I'm here. Yes. I shan't leave your side. Thank goodness you were here.

Always here to stop me. We're sleeping. Oh, sleeping. There you are. Evening, Miss Mina. A drink? No, I can't. I...

Why am I here? I thought I was supposed to be watching Lucy. Is she here? Excellent choice. Her ladyship chose this vintage herself. Oh, that's too much. Please. The glass will spill over.

Excuse me, I think I see someone I know. Jonathan. Jonathan, is that you? To what, do I owe the pleasure? Oh, I'm... Sorry. I thought you were someone else. That's sound. I... I must get back.

Yes. Yes, I have somewhere to be. Are you enjoying the festivities? Sorry, I don't... Forgive me, aren't you the waiter? Didn't you just offer me a drink? Do you know where Lucy is? Well, you are a slippery little thing, on you? Hmm.

Yes. I too can taste on you the lingering sharpness of the original apple. Oh, no. Don't be frightened. I am no stranger. We have met before.

Have we? I... Oh, uh... Yes, of course. Yes. It's very good to see you again. How embarrassing. You don't remember me.

I thought you would have remembered. We met in your room. In fact, I'm there now. Just outside your door. Protect me back to bed. Oh, Lucy, not again. Not again, Lucy, it's locked. The door is locked.

I'm coming, Lucy. I'll be startled. Let's see if we can get you back to bed, okay? Let's get you back to bed. What are you doing, Lucy? You won't find the key. Lucy, my love, it's... My wrist that hurt.

Why do you say my name? I go to bed now. I wasn't trying to hurt me. Looking for the key. I had kept it on a ribbon on my wrist, and I suppose she knew. Then it's settled. I will stay with her from now on, and you will move into my room. No, Mrs. Westonner.

You aren't strong enough. I can bear it. You shouldn't have it. to. I'm sorry, Mina. The sleepwalking was one thing but this behavior. Appearance. You saw her this morning. She picks at her food and she insists she's fine. What about Arthur's friend? Dr. Seward? Oh, Lucy's former admirer. Yes. I think that would be wise. I will contact him today but please do not tell Luce's. I do not know how she will react.

You are aware that Dr. Sheward was the friend who introduced Lucy to Arthur. Yes, she disclosed all of this to me. Two proposals in the same day. It was Dr. Seward who proposed to Lucy first. I think she feels terrible guilt about it all. In truth, I don't know how either of them will react. This will be their first meeting since she turned him down. Good morning.

Oh, Lucy, how are you feeling? Fine. Take it this stoic atmosphere as to do with me. Was I sleep walking last night? A little. A little. Well, if no one is going to be honest with me... Where are you going?

For a walk. To see what's left of the bay after last night's storm. Anything to avoid being spoken about like a poorly child. Oh, no, Lucy. Lucy, please, please. I will go with her. Try not to fret. Call this, Dr. Seward.

Lucy, be careful. I'm fine. I... Just a little dizzy. I'll take you back. I'm fine. So few people here. The sun's so bright,

the air so fresh and clear. Still, the waves are grim-looking. What's that? What's that down there by the shore? All those people running. I don't know. Excuse me? What's happened?

A Russian ship came ashore last night. The Demeter. Looks as though the storm made light work of it. Coast Guard has had to pull in volunteers to get to grips with it. They don't know who owned it. Who charted it? What a mess. Lucy, stay here.

Why? I just... I need to have a look. Mia, I'm not a child. Stay here. I've never seen a ship run ashore before. Oh, excuse me. What are those boxes? It appears to be all that's left aboard.

Boxes of earth. All that's left? What about the crew? I have heard they were numb frown. Here, it's in this morning's paper. Thank you. One of the greatest and suddenest storms on record has just been experienced here in Whitby, with results both strange and unique. The Russian one.

No crew were found on board, with the exception to the captain who was found dead, and fastened by his hands to the spoke of the wheel. The flesh of his wrists had been cut to the bone by the cords that bound him. He died, clasping a wooden crucifix. In his pocket was a bottle with a roll of paper in it. It contained an addendum to the ship's log. The captain's log will be published in due course. My God, this is frightful.

Okay, you men, do this call it? My men are sending another box up from the cargo wall. Open it up. It's the same as the others. Just mountains of earth. Jesus, what is it? Everyone back. Huge.

Missy. What happened? Let me help you. I'm fine. Don't suddenly unwell. Take your time. Let's get you home. I will find us a carriage.

And say, uh... Come in. Forgive me. No. No, come in, Mina. This is Dr. Seward. Dr. Seward. This is Mina Mori. Hello. A pleasure. I didn't mean to interrupt you. I'll come back. No, no. I was just finishing my examination. Let me double-check your pulse, Lucy. Yes, a little quick, but that's to be expected. It seems you have an infection.

I'll prescribe something for it and something to help you sleep. Are you sure? That's all? Yes. Of course. Don't fret. What you need is hydration and rest. Oh, I see. Well, that is a relief, I suppose. Thank you for coming.

Of course. Rest up, Lucy. I'll see you out. It really is lovely to meet you, Miss Murray. I've heard a great deal about you. And are you? Lucy thinks very highly of you. She tells me you run the asylum in Perfleet?

Yes. It is all consuming at times, but I don't mind. It helps to take my mind. mind off other matters. You are no doubt aware I ask Miss Westernra to marry me. I am aware, and I'm sorry. Oh, I'm not. Arthur is a dear friend of mine, and I know the two of them will be very happy together. Hey, you are engaged also. Yes, my Jonathan, he is away on business at present. Will he be away long?

Dr. Seward, forgive me, but regarding Lucy and her condition... Yes. Are you sure you haven't missed something? Excuse me, such as... I don't know. If you could only see how she is in the night, how quickly she's deteriorated. I've typed up entries from my journal.

They document Lucy's symptoms quite thoroughly. I wonder if it might help with your diagnosis. I think it's relevant only in so much as... The storm was fearful, and as it boomed loudly among the chimney pots, it made me shudder. Strangely enough, Lucy did not... wake. You needn't read it now. Miss Murray, uh, I understand these last few nights have been trying, but I examined her,

and with the greatest of respect, I don't think I need to read this. Tell me, in all your years of training and practice, there must have been something that you have struggled to diagnose, to treat, something that has pushed you to examine smaller, seemingly insignificant details. Well, yes, but Miss Murray, what are you saying? suggesting that a storm made her unwell? No, I... I don't know what I'm suggesting. Miss Murray?

I just wonder if we might be unknowingly glaring at pieces of a puzzle. Please, keep those pages. Even if you do not look at them right away. I will take them with me, but I cannot promise to read them. This will resolve itself. I'm sure of it.

I hope you are right. And the resurrection and the life saith the Lord. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Amen.

Amen. And now please follow in mournful possession as we bear our brother to his place of nest. We wish he committed to the body. We all come to pay their respects to that poor captain. We all said every boat in the harbour was out this morning. Poor, poor, poor man. So you met Dr. Seward?

Yes. He is very determined. He has a kindness, even if he seemed a little cold at times. What did he say? He says I have a nervous condition that I am to drink more water, take more rest,

eat earlier in the day. He didn't read it. Read what? Nothing. He also thinks I'm anemic, I'm tired. Some liver and rest will do me good. Are you happy with his prognosis? No. Not entirely, but...

I haven't the strength to combat him. If I try his methods well, then... At least I can say that I have. Lucy, what do you think is the matter with you? What happens when you sleep? Where does your mind drift do? Oh, it's Dart. Swales, what's the matter with Dart? Oh, he's been a best old morning.

Half but a short time to live, and is full of misery. What's wrong with you? Come here. Mr. Swales, not himself today. No, I've not known him to be so ill-tempered, nor Dart be so agitated. That's such. I told you, you a damn way dog behave yourself. Lucy, where is you?

She? No. The window. Locked it. I know I locked it. God, why is she down there? Lucy! Can she hear me? I will put them on for you. Can you walk? We have to get home. I don't know where he is gone. He could be back. What are you doing to him? Lucy. Lucy, can you hear me? Yes. Follow my finger with your eyes. Good. I just want to check your pulse. You rest now. Mrs. Westernery, I did as you asked and sent the servants away. Good. They are a nosy lot. Oh, how will we tell Arthur? Have some tea.

Thank God you were here. I still think we should alert the town about that man. And have all of Whitby gossip about my Lucy? Perhaps we should stand outside a moment. Yes. And? I think the best thing would be to take her under my... her. Move her to your asylum. Chained up and brutalized like the rest of your patients.

Mina... As a matter of fact, no. That's not what I meant. But I object to your characterization of my work. What I mean is, I can visit frequently and monitor her physical symptoms more closely. And her fever? The thing she says? Her mind is under great stress. Physical illness can play tricks on the mind, makes one see things that aren't there. The sleepwalking is almost certainly a result of some sort of nervous deregulation, brought about by an infection or anemia. She displays all the classic symptoms of the latter. And last night, the attack.

With Mrs. Westerners' permission, I would like to report that to the police. Probably some drunk lout. He wasn't a drunk lout. He looked like a gentleman. And I told you there were... I saw them do so. strange things. What things? Mina! Nothing. He was...

He was stood over her. And she was... I am sure I saw her biting his chest. No, no. You're mistaken. Mrs. Westernra... Mrs. Westernra, I am sure Mina has misunderstood what she saw. She was nervous and afraid and it was dark. The attack is deeply unfortunate and the villain will be caught and punished with the full force of the law. I'm certain of it.

But we must keep calm and separate that from Lucy's illness. So, it's all just a coincidence as far as you're concerned. Look at her. She has anemia. And if it is something else? If you miss it, can you say in all certainty you know what is wrong with her? And if there is a chance you could be wrong or out of your depth, are you really willing to gamble Lucy's well-being?

I... Well, there is a profession. Professor, whose work I've been following for some time, and with whom I have recently been corresponding, he's an expert in hematology. I can send word and perhaps consult him. Thank you, Dr. Seward. If you'll excuse me, I want to return to my daughter. And what about the pinpricks in her neck? The two little holes and the bruising? Oh, yes. I did see those. They don't look too angry. They're practically healed. But they are new. I have never seen them before.

Perhaps you missed them, and the bruising could well be from her attacker. That fiend will be caught. Then again, your robe is fastened with a pin. Yes? Well, you must have pricked her when you covered her. You are determined not to see reason. Me? I am the only one making a case for reason.

You would have us accept that the storm has made her sleepwalk? I am sure. I saw... I warn you, Mina. people are sent to my asylum for far less. If you'll excuse me, I must say goodbye to Lucy. Then I'll be on my way.

Lucy, what are we going to do? I cannot stomach all this uncertainty. I hate not knowing. Please make her well again. Oh, Dr. Seward, I was just... I just needed a moment alone with my thoughts. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude.

I was just leaving. You're finished? Yes. I want to go and consult some books and telegram the professor. I'll return later today. Thank you. What does he like? Well, in truth, I've never met him. I've read much of his, and I know he will have insight. I admire him a great deal. Then we are lucky to have him. Yes. Professor Van Helsing has a brilliant mind. Are you expecting someone? No. I imagine it. It's the post? Yes, just the post, man.

Morning. Here you. Thank you. Dr. Seward, I should apologise. I... Something the matter? Should I fetch Mrs. Western Rau? Mina, please.

What's the matter? My Jonathan! I knew it. I knew something was the matter. It's all here in this letter. I write on behalf of Mr. Jonathan Harker, who is himself not strong. enough to write, though progressing well.

He has been under our care for nearly six weeks, suffering from a violent brain fever. He wishes to convey his love. He has had some fearful shock and in his delirium his ravings have been dreadful of wolves, ghosts and blood. He has sufficient money for the return journey, but we fear he is too ill to make it alone. Are you able to come and be with him? He misses you dearly, and we think your presence would do him some good. Yours with sympathy and blessing.

Sister Agatha, Hospital of St. Joseph and St. Mary. Budapest. Wait, Jonathan. Come. Sit on this bench a moment. Oh, Jonathan. Can I fetch you anything? You must see this as good news.

He's been looked after now, and whatever ordeal he has endured is over. Please forgive me. I've waited so long for some sort of truth or insight. But now that it has come, my heart feels broken. To think he has been so alone and so unwell. You must go to him. Right away, I can assist in any arrangements. Leave?

For Budapest, what of Lucy? I promised her, I swore I would not leave her side. You have been devoted to her. In truth, I... I've been rather moved by your friendship and your loyalty. But I cannot abandon her, all alone in the darkness and confusion. I will be with her. I promise.

As will Arthur, her mother, you should go to your fiancé. He has no one. And I imagine your presence would be quite the tonic. I know I would feel that way. Thank you. I must pack. But I should say goodbye. I...

I will say it for you. you. She will understand. You must leave now. He needs you. Oh, you're very well. I shall. Goodbye, Dr. Seward. I hope to be back here soon. Goodbye, Miss Murray. Lucy, can you hear me? Are you awake? Yes. How are you feeling? Strange. And yet, I really do feel better.

Well, that's good news. You look considerably brighter. Have you to thank. And do you remember anything of last night? Did someone hurt you? Not really. No. Good. I'm sorry, I asked.

I do not want you to trouble your mind with unpleasant things. I shall leave you to rest and I will return later today. Goodbye, Doctor. to Sue it. Goodbye. Rest well. Actually. Perhaps you remember after all. Last night, I mean. Was it a dream? Dream. It all seemed so real. Red eyes. Something very sweet and bitter all around me at once. and then I seemed to be sinking into deep green wall and there was a singing in my ears as I heard there is to drowning men

everything seemed to pass away from me I'm sure I floated in the air and an agonizing feeling I came back to find you shaking my lifeless body I saw you do it before I felt you Listen to the all-new-new Dracula, only on Audible. Start your Audible subscription by downloading the Audible app.