Accompanying his master, Mr. Crepsley, on a trip to the city, half-vampire Darren Shan is ready to enjoy a pleasant holiday away from the Cirque du Freak with his friend Evra. But when he learns of a string of grisly murders whose victims have been drained of blood, Darren begins to suspect that his mentor may be involved. Has Mr. Crepsley crossed the line, or could it be that some creature more fearsome than a vampire haunts the city's streets?