The Shoulder of Shasta

The novel is a romance about a woman from San Francisco that travels to the mountains of northern California in the Mount Shasta region and falls in love with a mountaineer. It follows Esse, a refined young city woman who falls in love with a local, rugged bear-hunter. It is a simple tale which differs from Stoker's typical Gothic horror, focusing on romance and the scenery.

It is a take highlighting a contrast between urban and rustic or rural lifestyles. The novel focuses on romance, adventure, and the excitement and attraction of the scenic American West.

• Esse Elstree: The protagonist and daughter of Mrs. Elstree, who moved Esse from San Francisco to Shasta due to her poor health. While on Shasta, she meets Grizzly Dick with whom she becomes infatuated after a grizzly bear encounter nearly kills him. At the end of the story, Esse becomes engaged to Reginald Hampton.
• Grizzly Dick: Esse's primary romantic interest. He is an American man who has made his home and living as a guide and hunter in rural wooded regions outside of San Franciso [sic?]. He grew up in the "Great American Desert," as he called it, and is rough around the edges, laughing at absurd volumes that seem rude to the Elstrees whom he guides up Shasta. Despite this, he is very respectful and kind, especially to Mrs. Elstree and Esse.
• Mrs. Elstree: The widowed, affectionate, and protective mother of Esse. She has golden hair and beautiful blue eyes that exhibit her placidity. She struggles with Esse's entrance into womanhood and disproves of Esse's initial interest in Dick but supports her engagement to Reginald.
• Miss Gimp: Esse's governess before they travelled to Shasta. Now, since Esse is grown, she takes care of all of the domestic animals and is Mrs. Elstree’s companion on their trip to Shasta. During their stay in Shasta, Miss Gimp becomes convinced that Dick is in love with her.