COBSAE_FALL_2010

COBSAE www.infamouslady.com

COBSAE Fall 2010

Community of Báthory Scholars & Enthusiasts Our forum is dedicated to research, discussion, and debate regarding one of history’s most enigmatic characters, Countess Erzsébet Báthory.

Dear Friends, There’s a chill in the air and down our spines as we head into the fall season in anticipation of one of our most favourite days of the year, Halloween! In keeping with the “spirit” of the season, this issue lends a slightly darker twist to matters surrounding our beloved Countess. We speak to a medium about tortured souls; showcase a “gore-geous” feast for the eyes by the amazingly talented makeup artist, Bec Wurzbacher; bring a bit of history to life with re-enactor Jason O’keefe; and author Rebecca Johns, shares a bit about her latest novel, The Countess. We hope you enjoy this issue and invite you to join our COBSAE and Infamous Lady communities on Facebook. As always, we welcome you to share your work and interest in Her Ladyship with us, and look forward to hearing from you!

Warmest Regards,

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

What Lurks Amongst Us

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Violently Beautiful

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Bringing History to Life

8

The Countess, A novel

11

The Last Word

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~ Liz Carrington, COBSAE Co-Founder & Editor-in Chief

W h a t

L u r k s

A m o n g s t

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When darkness falls, and we’re alone, do we let our imaginations get the best of us? Or, are there really things that do go bump in the night? We spoke with medium, Angie Kafcsak about her take on how spirits, lost souls, and hauntings may indeed be very real.

COBSAE: Can you tell us a bit about what you do as a medium?

Is your gift different from that of a psychic, and how do you communicate with the “other side”?

Photo Courtesy of Bec Wurzbacher ©2010

AK: “There are different types of psychic gifts. I don‟t see into the future or have premonitions like some other intuitives do. Not to sound too cliché, but what I have is a “sixth sense”, it is the

ability to pick up on subtle, yet very active energies.

Some may refer to it as a hyper-sensitive periphery, which allows me to actually see, hear and communicate, with these energies; in other words, clairvoyance. By picking up on all of this activity, I am able to decipher the past and attempt to explain what may have happened. I have had this ability ever since

I can remember...since childhood. You know how kids are to known to have “imaginary” friends? Well, mine weren‟t so imaginary...it was quite frightening at times since you can‟t really control what you see and hear sometimes.

These energies and entities are all around us...at any given time. Over the years, as I have come to learn about and better understand this ability,

Volume 2, Issue 3

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I‟ve been able to accept it instead of fear it. I choose not to do this professionally, but rather, as a way of helping others who have experienced unusual phenomenon and needed assistance in trying to understand what was happening. I‟ve also worked with paranormal investigators on cases where there have been sightings of spirits and some sort of physical (poltergeist) activity.”

COBSAE: Could you share with us, some of your experiences with the “un-dead”?

AK: “A lot of the work I‟ve done has involved identifying and/or communicating with disembodied energies and entities. Under certain circumstances, when the energy was very strong, I was also able to channel those spirits. I‟ve been to several allegedly haunted sites here in the states, such as Gettysburg, PA, New Orleans, LA, sites here in IL, but I have to say the most haunted places I‟ve seen are in Europe. There is nothing quite like being in the midst of those ancient graveyards, castles and ruins. There is a certain “heaviness” in the air. It‟s as if there is an interdimensional “layer upon layer” of suffering and trauma throughout the region.

I‟ve had so many experiences over the years, but one of my most memorable ones occurred when I was visiting Erzsébet Báthory‟s castle, Csejthe, in Slovakia. Even though it is in ruins, the place felt as if it was still alive with activity, almost frozen in time. There is a very unusual, almost pulsating energy in the grounds that surround the area.

Ruins of Castle Csejthe. Photo courtesy of A. Kafcsak © 2010

When I spent time near the ruins, I could also sense a tremendous amount of angst and anxiety, the tension was so thick and unnerving. There was a very strong presence that seemed to keep watch over and guard the area; it felt like very deep, penetrating, eyes staring right through me; it was very unsettling to say the least. I have no doubt that a residue of the unspeakably traumatic events which took place there, remains ingrained in the land. If you listen closely enough, you could almost hear an echo of muffled screams interrupt the eerie calm. Ironically, I did not sense the im-

mediate presence of the Countess herself, but more so, the fear and pain of her victims. It was as if I was in a crowded room of scream“There was a very ing, crying souls. My sleep was disrupted by nightmares of strong presence that violent images. For two days, I seemed to keep watch awoke with either a terrible over and guard the headache or a tremendous, yet strange, sense of rage. For sevarea; it felt like very eral days after my visit, I was deep, penetrating, eyes nervous and depressed. I staring right through found the physical manifestation of that experience very me...” disturbing. Needless to say, I was glad to leave the country. Honestly, I‟m not sure I could ever go back. In all the years I‟ve sensed and seen apparitions and other non-worldly entitles, I have never felt as uneasy as I did than when I was there.”

COBSAE: That does sound like it was quite a disturbing experience for you. Do you mind my asking what sort of energy or entities you think might be present around the ruins of the Countess’ castle? What do you believe to be the cause for a spirit to stay on instead of crossing over ?

AK: “It really was...perhaps due in part to the true sense of helplessness and despair I felt there. Oddly, I did not pick up on what some might refer to as demonic entities or influences, (and I have had previous experience with that) but instead, a tremendous amount of human suffering...not just violence, but deep sadness and anxiety. It is a tragic place that seems almost magnetic in the way it holds on to those whom have lived, and died there.

I find that circumstances under which a spirit or soul ends up remaining in one dimensional plane, versus another, can, and do, vary. Most often, (at least with those of which I‟ve seen) it‟s caused by sudden, unexpected, death, or, a deliberate connection...they either choose not to leave, this is most often triggered by a tie to a loved one, or a significant place, or memory.

Also, in some cases, they may not be aware that they are “gone” or that they can leave. I think this is truly a fascinating phenomenon; it‟s like there is a veil that separates the space we all occupy and, in essence, their “life” goes on. I actually encountered this situation when I communicated with a “ghost” a few years ago.

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I received a call from a woman who had recently purchased a home in one of Chicago‟s historical neighborhoods, It was a bungalow dating back to the mid 1800‟s. She had a couple of upstairs rooms which she always found to be especially cold, by a range of 10 to sometimes 20 degrees in difference.

One was a guest room and the other she converted into a home office. Whenever she was in either room, she said she always felt as if someone was watching her. Shortly after she moved in, she began to notice things were missing or moving around.

She also said she started to feel more agitated and distracted and wondered if she, herself, was misplacing things. Her dog was acting much more skittish than he ever had and often refused to go upstairs with her. She would hear things drop on the wood floor, and hear laughter, which she thought came from the house next door. She‟d notice items such as books and, in particular, a little bunny doll, (which she kept as a keepsake) move not only from one spot to another, but now from one room to another or even downstairs. At first she thought it was her dog taking these items, but each time she found them, they were placed very neatly and deliberately in their new and sometimes unusual location.

When she called me, she was very stressed out. As I arrived at her house, I felt a shift in the atmosphere, a denser, thicker air, if that makes sense, and a definite presence throughout the entire house. I assured her that it was okay and not malevolent. The sense, sight, and sound of what I was experiencing grew in intensity as I went upstairs, my eye was drawn immediately to a rear room on the left. Before she could even say anything, I walked towards and into it. Mind you, I‟ve never been in her home before, she looked at me and asked “How did you know?

The haunted room. Photo courtesy of This is where it all happens.”

A. Kafcsak © 2010 Even though it was the middle of the day, I felt a frenetic energy and motion all around me. I could see blurs move past me and hear high-pitched squeals, and tapping, like small footsteps running back and forth. I sensed a definite female energy, like that of a young girl, I asked her if she knew anything about the history of her home, but she did not. I asked her if I could spend

the night in that room and she agreed. That evening I made sure to keep with me, the bunny doll that always seemed to move.

Oddly enough, the activity slowed as the evening went on. As I prepared to go to bed, I spoke out to the spirit and told her that it was okay for her to play with the doll, and if she would like, she could take it with her. The night was mainly quiet, but at around 5:00 am, I heard light whispers and something moving on the bed. As I got up and looked around, I noticed that the doll was gone. I went out into the hall looking for it, then downstairs, nothing. I returned to the room and turned on the light, I was drawn towards the walk-in closet and opened the door. As I looked inside, I saw, the doll. It was neatly placed, in a sitting position, towards the rear wall. When I touched it, my eyes were flashed with a bright burst of light. Within that light, I could see an image of a little girl, maybe five or six years old. She had long blond hair, tied in ribbons and was laughing and setting a toy on the ground. I awoke my friend and shared with her what had just happened. She confirmed with me that she too, would often find the doll in the closet.

That afternoon, I went to the local historical society and did some research on the house and neighborhood. I learned that it was built about twenty years before a scarlet fever epidemic had broken out in the area. Many of the children within the neighborhood had died. The census records had shown that the family who lived in the home had three children, one older son and two daughters, the youngest of whom, Emily, had died from the fever in 1877. She was six.

Child’s headstone, Rosehill Cemetary , Chicago, IL Photo courtesy of A. Kafcsak © 2010

The activity continued in the house. My friend decided to eventually sell it. Even though she was not afraid or concerned about the severity of the activity, she likened it to having to babysit all the time! She said there was a reason why she didn‟t want any children of her own, let alone having to keep watch over one who‟s been dead for over 120 years! She actually had to disclose the house as “haunted” when she put it up for sale. It‟s moments like that which make my work very satisfying.”

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V I O L E N T LY B E AU T I F U L : A n I n t e rv i e w W i t h B e c W u r z b a c h e r Bec Wurzbacher is an amazingly talented, up and coming artist. Her medium is make up, with a flair for special FX. Ms. Wurzbacher was kind enough to spend some time with us to chat about her craft, and how she is inspired by Lady Báthory.

COBSAE: We only have a single image of her Ladyship. Many agree she was a beautiful woman and find it hard to believe she was capable of committing such horrific acts; yet something drove her to be as wicked as she was. What do you imagine that "dark side" of her would look like through your looking glass?

BW: “Her beauty would have been enviable by many. I believe it might have been just that [envy], which drove her to do what she did, her beauty was fading after all. Having no cosmetic products like we do today, there was nothing she could do about aging. Can you imagine the women of today doing without any anti-aging products, plastic surgery or miracle creams? I am sure many would be willing, or be tempted to torture, disfigure or kill those more fortunate in looks than they to gain some sort of self confidence.

A mirror would have been a constant reminder to the Countess about her vanishing beauty and youth. Jealousy and envy would have been the fuel to her fire. Those pretty young girls, easy targets for someone wanting to let out her frustration...and so the Countess did, in the most grotesque ways imaginable. Torturing and butchering them wouldn‟t have made her physically regain her beauty, though I am sure in her mind she felt it with every cut, slap and whip

upon their bodies. If only the Countess knew that beauty wasn‟t skin deep.”

COBSAE: What stirred your fascination with the Countess?

BW: “I first discovered her as a character in an interactive video board game called “Nightmare” in the early 90‟s.

“Atmosfear” was another edition of games in which she also appeared.

Her character was “The Vampire.” I was about 6 when I was allowed to watch the games being played. As I got older I always wondered about the game characters, if they were made up or real. I was about 14 when I looked them up on the internet and to my pleasant surprise, found out she really existed.

“A mirror would have been a constant reminder to the Countess about her vanishing beauty and youth. Jealousy and envy would have been the fuel to her fire.”

She wasn‟t “The Vampire, Elizabeth Bathory” but rather, a real Countess.

My obsession grew from there.

All “Violently Beautiful” photos courtesy of Bec Wurzbacher ©2010

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COBSAE Fall 2010 V I O L E N T L Y

B E A U T I F U L . . .

C o n t i n u e d

COBSAE: What inspired you to have Countess Báthory tattooed upon your arm?

“My tattoo is a reflection of the Countess with her sad, empty eyes in a filigree framed mirror portraying vanity.

There are two subtly blood stained roses, symbolizing her “lust” for blood. Ivy growing on a vine of thorns for her contagious urges to inflict pain, and her family crest, which I find to be one of the most important images to add to the tattoo, as it identifies who she was.”

BW: “I was 17 years old when I made up my mind I wanted a tattoo of Countess Bathory. It took 6 years to put together the images and ideas that I want immortally drawn on my body. In November last year I found the tattoo shop I wanted, incredible artists, great reputation for amazing tattoos. I took my ideas in and discussed what I wanted. After I saw the amazing line work, I was in love. No one there had heard of Countess Bathory and it wasn‟t until my first appointment on the 7th of January 2010, that they asked me about my tattoo. I had my second, 3 hour sitting on the 25th of February 2010. After a long wait to have my tattoo finished, Countess Elizabeth was completed after another 2 hours on the 7th of August 2010, her birthday. It was a very special moment. I was in total shock of how beautiful it looked.

Being able to look at her every day, I feel empowered by her and am reminded that no matter what anyone says, I am beautiful inside and out, like the Countess.

When I‟m out and people ask me about my tattoo they go on about the detail and how nice it is. The compliments come to a stop when they ask me who it is and I tell them. The looks I get thereafter are priceless. I can‟t justify to people, who know nothing about her, why I have a “serial killer” tattooed on my body. They‟ll never understand.

Does that make me as “evil and sadistic” as Elizabeth? No. Maybe if I had her actions depicted in my tattoo of young girls being bashed, beaten and tortured then I might understand the reactions I get. I believe the Countess would have been quite beautiful. I try to remind people that I don‟t have a

monster on my arm but a woman from history who has a dark and disturbing, yet fascinating and sad story to be told about her….a serial killer in some people‟s eyes...ah, what little knowledge they must have read of her. I have no regrets about my decision to have Countess Elizabeth Bathory tattooed on my body; I look down at her every day and see one of the best if not most beautiful tattoos I have ever seen.”

COBSAE: How did your love of makeup artistry come about and how do you see your craft evolving?

BW: “It was 2007 when I started to take an interest in makeup. After watching the Lady Marmalade music video with Pink, Mya, Lil‟ Kim and Christina Aguilera, I noticed how creative and beautiful their makeup was.

I was in awe, especially by Christina‟s.

I attempted the blended eye shadow around my eyes like Christina‟s is in the video for Halloween that year and again in May 2008 for my 21st birthday. I was excited with how it turned out.

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B E A U T I F U L C o n t i n u e d

From then on, when I see makeup in movies, magazines, and music videos, I think, “OMG, how can I do that?”

I especially like horror movies, all the blood, wounds, peeling skin, bones sticking out, it‟s a feast for my eyes!

I have always been artistic and creative but finding this „hidden talent‟ with makeup has really brought out my artistic side over the last 3 years.

I just keep practicing my

skills. I have a few makeup books which I have read to pick up new tips and techniques.

I‟ll buy magazines that have beauty sections and add the article clippings to my makeup scrapbook. I also cut out pictures of models wearing amazing and inspiring makeup which I have stuck on my wall, near my mirror. They are a daily reminder of where I would like my makeup to take me one day.”

Makeup is my hobby at the moment. I hope to enroll into a course in the near future to further gain the skills and experience I need to make it within the industry. I wish to extend my creativity even further and push the boundaries of my artistic abilities.

To see more of Bec’s amazing artistry, subscribe to her YOUTUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyPrettyFlesh#p/u All “Violently Beautiful” photos courtesy of Bec Wurzbacher ©2010

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V I O L E N T LY B E AU T I F U L : G a l l e r i e M a c a b r e F e a t u r i n g a U n i q u e l y M o d e r n I n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f T h e C o u n t e s s

Mirror...mirror...on the wall...who is the fairest of them all…?

We often wonder what would our beloved Blood Countess look like if she were alive today? No doubt she would be beautiful…

Would she be driven by bloodlust from centuries ago? What would she see when she gazed upon herself in the mirror? Would she see the intense beauty that we do, or, does she see a distorted, aging, monster? Would her demons rise to the surface and taunt her through the looking glass…?

All “Violently Beautiful” photos courtesy of Bec Wurzbacher ©2010

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COBSAE Fall 2010

Bringing

History

to Life

COBSAE member, Jason O’Keefe, brings the past into the present as a historical re-enactor. Jason is also the creator and publisher of the ever increasingly popular e-zine “The Re-Enactor” which is now sent to over 1,250 readers in 29 different countries around the world. In addition to it being mailed to re-enactment groups, the e-zine is also sent out to film producers, authors, large corporations and other businesses that have requested to be on Jason’s mailing list.

Jason talks to us about his passion for the past, how this unique activity brings it to life, and sheds some light on the importance of learning about the history that has shaped our world. was incredible. However, after a while, I realized that the battle was a very small part of the day and I wanted more. I began to read up on various periods of history, battles, armour, weapons, skills and crafts so that when I was talking to the public at an event I could impart factual information which hopefully got them more interested in what I was doing, as well as making them feel more a part of the event and not just someone sitting on the sidelines watching.”

Photos courtesy of Jason O’keefe ©2010

COBSAE: Could you tell us about how you got started as a re-enactor?

COBSAE: What aspects of historical role playing do you find to be the most rewarding?

JO: “I started re-enacting when I was 17 or 18 years of age. A school friend mentioned that he knew someone who was into reenacting and he was holding a sword fighting practice day. I went along with my friend and was instantly hooked! I have to admit that in the early days of my reenacting life all I wanted to do was to put on my suit of armour and fight with swords. It was later that I became more interested in the history of the period!”

JO: “The interaction with the public is the most rewarding.

Hearing them say that they have learnt something is worth the time spent reading up on history.

As I mentioned previously, in the early years it was all about the glory of battle...hearing the crowd cheer for you or your side was superb and winning a tournament (being the last “knight” standing)

COBSAE: Tell us about your e-zine, “The Re-Enactor” and what fuels your passion for creating it?

JO: “The Re-Enactor began life in November 2008 with the first issue being emailed to just over 130 reenactors in the UK, and a few in other countries. It contained just over 20 group listings and details of 6 traders.

Since then it has continually grown month on month with more groups and traders listed, more event information, more articles and more reports. June 2009, saw the first competition, a chance to win the trilogy of Arthurian Legend books by Simon Lister.

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Other subsequent authors include Helen Hollick, Saul David, Dilip Sarkar (MBE), Michael Jecks and Jack Hight to name but a few, and, our most recent contributor is Kimberly L. Craft, author of Infamous Lady.

When I originally started, the majority of groups were medieval in period but as it has grown, so has the range of historical periods. The e-zine now comprises groups and traders covering the majority of re-enactment periods from Roman times through to WWII. Over the years I have lost count of the number of events that I never heard about, the number of traders I wasn‟t able to contact, and the number of groups I couldn‟t find, so I decided the best thing to do was set The Re-Enactor up, research and learn that information and pass it on to anyone who wanted it! In essence, the e-zine is a point of contact for all those interested in any period of reenactment history, a chance to find other groups, traders and event information. It is free to all who are interested, free to subscribe, and free to advertise in. There is plenty of space for groups/traders to let everyone know what they are doing and to promote themselves. I am also very thankful to all those individuals that have supplied articles for the e-zine. I also appreciate the time the various authors/publicists have taken to talk to me, supply books for competitions, and of course, their friendship.

It can be quite hard work at times but that aspect is far outweighed by the people I have met and the things I have learnt.”

COBSAE: Can you tell us about some of the more unusual or macabre events and figures

you've discovered throughout history?

JO: “When I first started reading up on medieval history, there seemed to be plenty of unusual and macabre events; however, as I learnt more about these events and people, it turned out they weren‟t all that unusual after all. It all came down to circumstances and the way of life at the time.

Also, a lot of these unusual events or popular “facts” about these figures were often incorrect. Most people think of King Henry VIII as a big overweight monarch, but that was only at the end of his reign. Most people believe King Edward II was killed with the use of a red hot poker... this is more untrue than likely.

I‟m not saying that there weren‟t some nasty people around as I am sure there were, but probably no worse than some of the people around the world today.

An unusual story I believe to be true is something that happened after The Battle of Mortimer‟s Cross in February 1461. Owen Tudor, leader of The Lancastrian army was captured and taken to Hereford (UK) and beheaded. A local woman was then said to have taken his head, and after washing and cleaning it up, surrounded it with candles as it was placed on a spike in the main town square. Could you imagine doing something like that today? Health and safety officials would have a field day!”

COBSAE: Countess Báthory lived during the late 1500's thru the early 1600’s; would you share a few

Photos courtesy of Jason O’keefe ©2010

“...A local woman was then said to have taken his head, and after washing and cleaning it up, surrounded it with candles as it was placed on a spike in the main town square. Could you imagine doing something like that today?…” insights about some of the historical events taking place in Europe during that period?

JO: “Just a few things that were happening during that period of history were: 

1575 sees a State Bankruptcy in Spain, King Henry 111 of France crowned at Rheims, outbreak of plague in Sicily.

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1577 Francis Drake embarks on voyage around the world via Cape Horn.

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1580 Seventh Fr. War of Religion breaks out, Spanish invade Portugal under Duke of Alba Ivan IV (The Terrible) who kills his son and heir with his own hands.

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Francis Drake returns to England.

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1582 First English colony in Newfoundland founded.

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1589 Forks used for the first time at French Court! First knitting machine invented!

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1590 First paper mill in use at Dartford (UK).

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1595 Henry IV declares war on Spain, English army abandon use of Longbow as weapon of war, first appearance of heels on shoes.

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1600 Henry IV marries Maria de‟Medici, English East India Company founded, Dutch opticians invent the telescope, Amsterdam bank founded, wigs and dress trains become fashionable.

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1605 The Gunpowder Plot (Guy Fawkes).

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1610 Dutch East India Company introduces the term “Share”, Shakespeare‟s “A Winter‟s Tale”, dissolution of Parliament

by James I (England), Henry Hudson sails through Hudson‟s Straits and discovers Hudson‟s Bay.

And of course, still plenty of wars but also lots of development and exploration.”

Photo courtesy of Jason O’keefe ©2010

COBSAE: Do you personally have a favourite time period or find certain places or historical events to be of special interest or significance?

JO: “My favourite time period has to be the 15th century. I love the idea of knights, castles, battles, the advancement of weapons and armour. To me, it is so colourful and vibrant. I love to walk the battlefields and imagine the scenes. I have been fortunate enough to recreate various battles on actual battle sites. Camping alongside the battlefield also adds so much flavour to the event.”

COBSAE: From a historical standpoint, how do you think others in the re-enactment community view her Ladyship and the legend surrounding her?

JO: “I have to admit ignorance about the Countess as someone I haven‟t come across before but I will look forward to reading the book by Prof.

Craft and finding out the truth!”

Photo courtesy of Jason O’keefe ©2010

To learn more about the Re-Enactor, visit Jason at: His website: http://thereenactor.webs.com His Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php? gid=36000563082 To join the Re-Enactor Community and receive The Re-Enactor e-zine, Email Jason at: Jason.okeefe@btopenworld.com

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COBSAE asked fiction author, Rebecca Johns a few questions about her latest novel, “The Countess”. Ms. Johns was kind enough to share a little bit about her new book with us.

Written as a first-person account, Countess Báthory tells her story in her own words, writing to her only son, in an attempt to reveal the truth behind her downfall...

COBSAE: What is it about Lady Báthory's life that interests you the most?

COBSAE: Can you tell us a little bit about your novel, The Countess, and what inspired you to write it?

RJ: “What interested me about Bathory was precisely the side of the story no one had told so far--that she was not really a psycho killer or a witch or a vampire, but a complicated woman, a wife and mother and grandmother, an educated person and a successful businesswoman. Where did the legends come from, then, I wondered? How could a woman be competent and sane and a killer of dozens, if not hundreds, of innocents? That was what I wanted to explore, the banality of evil, how familiar it can be, how easy it is to view people as "other" and lose our humanity in the process. I never read of a person who would make as good a candidate for the "unreliable narrator" as the Countess. What a challenge that would be, I thought, both as a writer and as a woman.

RJ: “It was the voice that inspired me-

When I started the book I doubted very seriously that I would be able to make the Countess sympathetic in the least, and my stomach churned at the thought of writing the torture scenes. But by the time I finished, I was able to say that a lot of the time, at least, I liked her more than I wanted to. What does that say about me? I don't know. But in the letter that Father Zacharias writes in the prologue, when he says he grieves for her and for the girls she murdered, that was how I felt, too.”

-that cool, calm voice. That she could relate her crimes without the least bit of remorse. I have never written a first-person novel before and swore I would not do so unless the character "spoke" to me somehow. She did.

Again, I don't know what that says about me as a person. Maybe better not to ask?”

COBSAE: What sort of emotion do you wish to evoke from your readers? And, with what impression of her Ladyship do you wish to leave them?

Crown Books, © 2010 Hardcover: 304 pages $25.00

“She has enormous self-pity for her own predicament, and not much for anyone else's...”

RJ: “The emotion I wished to evoke the most often was distrust. How much of what she says can the reader believe? She has enormous self-pity for her own predicament, and not much for anyone else's. She is capable of great tenderness toward her children and siblings and the men in her life, but not for the young girls whom she views as thieves--of wealth, of affection. But for all that I think there's a certain amount of pathos in her story. She approaches remorse but does not come too near it, even in the end, unrepentant as only true evil can be.”

Learn more about Ms. Johns and her work at: www.rebeccajohns.com

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T H E

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W O R D …

R E V I E W S

From Amazon.com: “A well-presented biography which holds the interest of both the sophisticated reader and the novice...First-rate!

M.R. Craft kindly wrote:

If you’ve read Infamous Lady, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please share your reviews with us! Drop us a line: COBSAE@infamouslady.com

I consider myself a voracious reader with an appetite for good thrillers and crime dramas. I often read a lot of fiction as I am picky about history and biographies, many of which I often find to be too lengthy and written "over my head". I would avoid books about notorious historical figures because I thought I would lose interest halfway through, until now....Kim Craft's "Infamous Lady" changed all of that! This is truly one of the best book's I've had the pleasure of reading! I heard about this Countess from my grand-daughters since they're into the vampire craze that is so popular now, we were watching a TV documentary and Countess Bathory was mentioned in it, all of that murder and torture seemed so outrageous, how could a lady like her be, for all intents and purposes, a crazed serial killer that needed to kill so many girls for their blood in order to stay young looking? I could hardly believe my eyes!! That's when the girls said they heard about Dr. Craft's book "Infamous Lady" and how it told a truer story; they checked it out of the library at first and told their friends, soon it was on a back hold so they asked their mom to purchased it and passed it along to their friends, who absolutely loved it! Needless to say, I was intrigued at how there could be a non-fiction, historical biography /reference book that actually captured the attention of teenagers and that they even learned from it! I had to see for myself and I tell you I was hooked! … Read the entire review here at Amazon.com:

We’re glad you enjoyed the book and really appreciate your support!

Many thanks to our members who have so generously contributed to the making of this newsletter: Kimberly L. Craft: Author, Infamous Lady: The True Story of Countess Erzsébet Báthory & COBSAE Founder Liz Carrington: COBSAE Newsletter Production/ Editing

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Good People of COBSAE! Her Infamous Ladyship’s Online Shoppe Will Soon Be Open!

Bec Wurzbacher: “Violently Beautiful” Jason O‟Keefe: “Back in Time” Rebecca Johns: “The Countess” M. R. Craft: Last Word Review We hope you enjoyed this issue! We look forward to your thoughts and feedback! If you‟re a fan of the Countess and would like to contribute to a future issue, please let us know! We‟d love to hear from you and feature your work!

Send your inquiry to: COBSAE@infamouslady.com

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