THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VAMPIRES. Therea Cheung. Harper Element, £20

PERMEATING popular culture from the nineteenth century right up to the modern day, our fascination with vampires – like the creatures themselves – shows no sign of dying.

This definitive A to Z encyclopaedia contains tales of mortal blood-drinkers, vampiric legends from cultures around the world as well as lifting the coffin lid on tips on how to find, identify and destroy a vampire. There's also the ghoulish family tree, including ghosts, witches and werewolves, and some real-life Van Helsings among the famous vampire hunters.

Whether you believe or not, this is certainly a comprehensive, fascinating and entertaining guide.

CHRIS BURGESS