Vampires are the ultimate killing machines.

Natalie Haynes examines why this iconic figure in horror-fiction continues to exert such a powerful hold on our imaginations.

And she introduces another dark story.

In Tanith Lee’s tale: A beautiful vampire hires an artist to paint her portrait.

But then he develops a dangerous obsession...

Read by Mark Bonnar and Claire Harry.

Producer: Gemma Jenkins

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in February 2011. Show less