No one can deny vampires are the superstars of the horror genre.

However, many feel these once most terrifying of monsters have lost their edge. Vampires in popular media have now mostly become sympathetic, romantic anti-heroes, the objects of desire instead of a source of terror - see Twilight.

So when a tale based on actual Eastern European vampire folklore arrives on the scene, it can seem like a breath of fresh air.

Blood And Bone China is just that sort of story. This 12-part gothic web series delivers on all fronts.

Set in the English city of Stoke-On-Trent in 1897, the series reveals a citizenry under siege by dark terrors.

Drawn into the mystery are a trio of unlikely heroes: a skeptical country veterinarian, a progressive female journalist determined to make a name for herself, and a mysterious man in black - who has secrets of his own.

Written and directed by Chris Stone, Blood And Bone China showcases a chilling script, phenomenal cast, deft cinematography, haunting score, and authentic Victorian-era props and costumes.

However, the crowning achievement of the series is it being filmed on location in the city of Stoke-On-Trent.

The town itself is a character in the story, seemingly frozen in the 19th century. The result is you feel as though you have actually been transported back in time to Victorian England.

In fact, many of the buildings used during filming were built in the 1800s. Also, the director based the story on an actual incident which occurred in the city in 1972.

He was so intrigued by the case, he also created a short documentary entitled Vampire of the Villas.

My main criticism of the project is the unfortunate use of a rock song as the main theme. The track is at jarring odds with the Victorian setting of the series. An instrumental piece contemporary to the period may have been been a better choice.

Still, this is a minor quibble with a terrific, well executed horror series.

For your convenience, the first two episodes are available below:

For more information about the project, and to view the complete series, please visit its official web site: Blood And Bone China.

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