Seriously speaking, TMoD is a short story I originally wrote about ten years ago. I'm still not quite sure what made me decide to use a Russian patronymic as a place name--and worse yet, the title place name...
As for the story itself, looking back I find that the ending is a trifle obvious. Seriously, a big, flashing neon sign wouldn't have been any more obvious, but I do think it establishes the classic Gothic atmosphere well, especially in the early passages, and the Master's modus operandi is, at least, worthy of a Ravenloft villain. People do always assume, after all, that, one's minions are similar/connected to one's self...
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story, and wish me luck...with good fortune, I'll have "A Gentleman by Moonlight" finished in time to take you back to Martira Bay for Halloween.
