by Bram Stoker

ISBN: 9781513282039

Published: 2021-06-21

The Snake's Pass (1890) is a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Written at the beginning of his career, The Snake's Pass helped to establish the Irish master of Gothic horror's reputation as a leading writer of the early-twentieth century. The Snake's Pass is based on the story of Saint Patrick, the legendary hero who cast the serpents out of Ireland forever. During a violent storm, Arthur Severn and his driver Andy are forced to take shelter in Carnacliff, a town in County Clare. Waiting out the weather in the local bar, Arthur listens to a story of the King of Snakes, who is rumored to remain--despite being banished by Saint Patrick--in order to watch over his crown. Whenever a fog rolls over the town, the local people say it is the spirit of the terrible king, returned once more to ensure his treasure stays hidden. That same evening, Arthur meets a man known as Black Murdock, a vindictive landowner and usurer who manipulates the poor folk of Carnacliff. Against his own...