After her mother’s untimely death

Clara Schwartz became distant, withdrawn. Her father, a renowned DNA researcher, lived in a farmhouse outside Leesburg, Virginia, where in December 2001, he was fatally stabbed by what seemed to be a ninja-style sword. Police arrested Kyle Hulbert, a troubled teen--and aspiring vampire. Kyle was Clara's friend, one of a circle obsessed with role-playing games.

Drawing on exclusive interviews

With the killer, bestselling author M. William Phelps reveals a frightening subculture, the tragic collision of two young people’s dark worlds, and its deadly consequences.

Includes 16 Pages Of Dramatic Photos