I picked this up based on the author. Didn't read the blurb.
So I was part of the way in when my brain just clicked that this was about Bathory. I've read a good few books about her.
This is a good one.
It paints a toxic relationship that you want to get out of, because you know everything around you is wrong, yet still you stay.
So many conflicting emotions from this young girl with nothing, to now a girl with a lot to loose.
I thought it gave a well rounded story , seeing how anyone and everyone found themselves caught up in the madness.
A sure sign of a great story, I'm off to Google the facts now.

The Last Handmaid provided a captivating take on the Countess Báthory myth/history. Catalina was a relatable heroine, torn between what she feels is right and what is right for her, and how the two may not always align. I enjoyed the gradual escalation of the tale, which was dark and atmospheric from start to finish. The pacing was good, always making me want to keep turning the pages, and the characters were all well drawn. There were a few times I thought Catalina a bit of a fool, but she had had, after the initial drama, a fairly sheltered upbringing, which perhaps accounts for her willingness to believe in people who were so clearly unworthy of her trust. Despite my occasional frustrations with her, though, I had fun following her tale to the bitter end. I am giving this book 4 stars. It's worth a read if you like dark historical fiction offering a twist on real events.

This was my first book by Claire Whitfield and it did not disappoint. I was hooked by the first chapter and could not put it down, I then researched the true story behind it, totally fascinated with both the fiction and the reality behind it.

A story inspired by the alleged most prolific female serial killer of all time told through the eyes of their most trusted companion. A historical gothic suspense.

What an intriguing tale this was!!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading, I knew the synopsis really intrigued me and I’m always in for an interesting and mysterious story!
Once I started reading it, I was hooked. I really liked seeing the ups and downs of Catalina’s life. The mysteriousness of the Countess. The vampire allegation and - maybe or maybe not - allegations of bleeding out young handmaids.
I was seriously so shocked by how interesting the story is written and I also really liked the pace of it. Sure, some parts did seem to stretch on but I think overall, it only added to the plot and flair of the story. Moreover, and speaking of atmosphere, I think a thing this book really did exceptionally well was create this dark, mysterious and almost scary atmosphere. Where one was scared for Catalina and what she would experience. Besides that, I also liked the writing style a lot and I think the narration (in first person) really added to the overall feel too. Another thing I really liked was the kind of crush, kind of mentorship/guardianship relationship between Catalina and the countess. As someone who notoriously crushed on her older female mentors, I felt myself somewhat represented (only with the added fact that my mentors were actually nice haha). I also really liked how this relationship between the two kept being a central part of the book, especially the question if the countess is Catalina’s savior or torturer or if both of them can co-exist to some extent too?
I also really liked the way the book dealt with issues such as poor/rich, differences between the way a man is framed vs a woman, religion and more.
Generally though, this was such an interesting and really captivating read. One which will definitely stay in my mind. I can only recommend if you’re in the mood for something mysterious and dark that will completely captivate you.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntarily given review!

The story of Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory told from the point of view of Catalina a young orphan who become the Countess’ handmaid.

I did not know the story of Elizabeth Bathroy, a real historical figure, infamous for her torture before reading this so I did not know the ending before starting. I enjoyed reading it, and it was very atmospheric, and dark in a few places. At some points I was really felt for Catalina who could not see a way out. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction but who doesn’t already know the story of the Countess as I can see how already knowing this would spoil the ending. I have already recommended this to several people who I know read historical fiction.

I appreciate the author's work; I have read her previous books, and I found them all to be brilliant reads. When I discovered the existence of this book, particularly because it addresses the myth of the countess, I was eager to request it.I wasn't entirely certain what kind of experience to anticipate when I began reading this particular book or story; however, I was aware that the summary or synopsis had really captured my interest, and I am consistently drawn to engaging and mysterious narratives.
Once I began reading it, I found myself completely captivated by the story. I particularly enjoyed following the fluctuations and challenges throughout Catalina's life. The enigmatic presence of the Countess, coupled with the vampire accusation and the ambiguous allegations regarding the draining of young handmaids, kept me thoroughly engaged. Although the content turned out to be a bit more graphic and somber than I had initially expected, I found myself appreciating the intricate relationships depicted, as well as the exploration of themes such as abuse and the dynamics of power and control, and overall, I genuinely enjoyed reading this book.