The Haunting of Carmilla | Relaxing Gothic Horror

Sink into the shadowy world of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla, a foundational gothic horror novella that predates Bram Stoker's Dracula. In this soft-spoken, full-length reading, we delve into the eerie and seductive tale of Laura and her mysterious, beautiful companion, Carmilla, whose arrival at a secluded Styrian castle ushers in a series of strange occurrences and a creeping sense of dread.
Perfect for late-night listening, this slow-burn classic vampire story is narrated with a soothing voice and gentle pacing, designed to help adults relax, focus, or drift off to sleep. Our unique "Luminous Sci-Fi and Horror" experience blends atmospheric storytelling with sleep-friendly red/orb visuals – specifically tuned to minimize melatonin suppression and reduce circadian disruption – alongside a calming ambient soundscape of subtle space hums and distant echoes.
Discover why Carmilla is celebrated as a masterpiece of gothic literature and an early, influential example of vampire fiction, exploring themes of psychological suspense, forbidden desire, and the supernatural. Le Fanu's elegant prose and masterful build-up of tension make this a must-listen for fans of classic horror and those seeking gentle, immersive narratives for winding down.
What you'll find in this episode:
A full, serialized reading of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla.
Calming red/orb night-light visuals for improved sleep onset.
Gentle ambient soundscapes: low synth drones and subtle space hums.
Soft, steady narration to lower physiological arousal and encourage calm breathing.
Why it helps you unwind:
Red/long-wavelength visuals preserve evening melatonin better than blue/white light, supporting easier sleep. Soft narration and soothing background sounds mask sudden noises and encourage relaxation.
Perfect for:
Adults who love speculative fiction, cosmic horror, noir sci-fi, and eerie short stories. Nighttime listeners seeking calm, low-stimulus storytelling for sleep, study, or relaxation. Fans of slow narration, immersive atmospheres, and themed late-night playlists.
Subscribe for more tales, sleep-friendly visuals, and hauntingly gentle storytelling.
00:00 INTRO
01:21 CHAPTER 1. An Early Fright
10:55 CHAPTER 2. A Guest
25:19 CHAPTER 3. We Compare Notes
39:15 CHAPTER 4. Her Habits—A Saunter
59:38 CHAPTER 5. A Wonderful Likeness
1:07:11 CHAPTER 6. A Very Strange Agony
1:15:29 CHAPTER 7. Descending
1:26:30 CHAPTER 8. Search
1:33:35 CHAPTER 9. The Doctor
1:43:33 CHAPTER 10. Bereaved
1:49:21 CHAPTER 11. The Story
1:57:52 CHAPTER 12. A Petition
2:06:30 CHAPTER 13. The Woodman
2:15:43 CHAPTER 14. The Meeting
2:24:48 CHAPTER 15. Ordeal and Execution
2:31:41 CHAPTER 16. Conclusion