Puhak draws from archival research to lay out how received wisdom has been warped over the centuries by exaggerations, shoddy scholarship and outright fabrications. Her book takes the tale of one woman and turns it into a portrait of an era . . . Puhak is a skillful guide through the thicket of political turmoil, weaponized accusations and palace intrigues. . . The legend is sordid, grisly and above all memorable.

Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times

A feminist debunking of the myth of a monstrous Renaissance noblewoman . . . Through close reading of Bathory's many letters and various contemporary accounts, poet and writer Puhak uncovers a thoroughly pre-modern Renaissance woman, well bred and well read, from a distinguished ancient family . . . Admirably clear-eyed history related in crystalline prose.

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This striking account from poet and historian Puhak separates the true story of Hungarian noblewoman Elizabeth Bathory from her blood-soaked mythology . . . It's a stunning feminist reconsideration of one of history's most reviled villainesses.

Publishers Weekly, starred review

Revelatory . . . Puhak's level-headed analysis of the evidence, grounded in historical context, exposes the tragic ease with which a powerful woman may be attacked through innuendo and misinformation. Given the fame of the Blood Countess Bathory, this should be a popular acquisition.

Library Journal, starred review

Puhak sifts through the confusing, often contradictory historical record to present what could be the most complete, most accurate portrait of Bathory we've ever seen. The research is impeccable, and the writing is richly textured (the author is an accomplished poet), and, most important, the author's empathy shines through. This is no remote historical figure she's writing about, this is a living, breathing woman who was not who we thought she was. A splendid exploration of one of history's most enduring enigmas.

Booklist

If not for this book, the actual story behind Bathory's status as a stock vampiric character could have continued collecting dust in the archives . . . The Blood Countess goes a long way in reminding readers of the historical relevance and narrative power of misogyny . . . a strong, well-researched corrective to a story that is about the type of power-hungry, deadly scheming best left in the annals of history.

Foreign Policy