This book was initially serialised in 18 weekly parts in The People's Periodical and Family Library, between November 1846 and March 1847. It was one This book was initially serialised in 18 weekly parts in The People's Periodical and Family Library, between November 1846 and March 1847. It was one of the Penny Dreadfuls. It has been attributed to Thomas Peckett Prest, but has been more recently been reassigned to James Malcolm Rymer, although other names have also been suggested. A plagiarised version appeared in the States in 1852, Sweeney Todd: or the Ruffian Barber. A Tale of Terror of the Seas and the Mysteries of the City by "Captain Merry" (a pseudonym used by American author Harry Hazel. The original story is thought to date back to France in the 17th century and there are claims that it, Sweeney Todd, was based on an actual person. It enjoyed success in the stage before Stephen Sondheim adapted it as a musical for Broadway in 1979, and then took it to the West End the year after. It has been adapted to film five times, most famously and recently by Tim Burton in 2007. It has been adapted many times for radio and TV.
The book is well worth reading. Basically, it’s a thrilling adventure story with a powerful set of characters and a plot, that though the reader may think they know what happens, has the necessary twists and turns to grab the attention and hold on to it. ...more
Wonderful to return to this story after a gap of something like 40 years.
I’m a huge fan of body snatching tales. Stevenson’s writing is perfect in coWonderful to return to this story after a gap of something like 40 years.
I’m a huge fan of body snatching tales. Stevenson’s writing is perfect in conjuring the atmosphere, especially around the graveyard in the latter stages.
I told my own versions of this story to many groups of kids on outdoor adventure residentials. I varied each slightly, initially because I couldn’t remember exact details, but also because my version couldn’t possibly match Stevenson’s language.
It’s available on the Classic Ghost Stories Podcast. ...more
This short novella, I really don’t like the term ‘novelette’, on the surface, is simple account of a workaholic, eminent but reclusive scientist who, This short novella, I really don’t like the term ‘novelette’, on the surface, is simple account of a workaholic, eminent but reclusive scientist who, despite the wise advice of his solitary friend, Father Murchison, rejects love, only to find himself pursued by a blindly affectionate spectre that invades all aspects of his life.
There’s a slow but necessary build up, as the reader is provided with an insight into the two characters and how their friendship develops.
Learn to give it your love and it may go.
Murchison advises, but Guildea seems unable or unwilling to.
Somehow though Guildea is able to banish the spirit, but it is at a huge cost, as he suffers a heart attack soon after.
He should have lived differently
says the doctor in attendance, while contemplating
the shocking expression of terror on his convulsed face.
The rational scientist has fought until the very end, but Hichens leaves us to ponder, against exactly what was he fighting, and why?...more
A heroin addict seems to have run out of hope, and in accepting his circumstance journeys to an almost deserted Mexican village to die. He rents a rooA heroin addict seems to have run out of hope, and in accepting his circumstance journeys to an almost deserted Mexican village to die. He rents a room in this seedy backwater and prepares one last fix, but is haunted by memories of his past that won’t let go. He becomes stuck in limbo among the bums of El Zapotal and the ghosts of his past so that neither he, nor we as readers, can tell them apart. It’s a ghost story of a sort, a horror story, and a fable considering damnation and deliverance. But its brilliance is in its language, translation, and style. I’ve read it compared to Rulfo’s Pedro Paramo, which I can see, and I’d add to that the prose of Bukowski, which several times it put me in mind if. It’s another excellent find from Charco Press who continue to discover tremendous world literature in translation.
Here’s how it starts..
I came to El Zapotal to die once and for all. I emptied my pockets as soon as I set foot in the town, tossing the keys to the house I left behind in the city, my credit cards, anything with my name or photograph. All I've got left are three thousand pesos, twenty grams of opium, and a quarter-ounce of heroin, which had better be enough to kill me. If not, I'll be too broke to even buy a pack of cigarettes, much less pay for a roof over my head or score some more lady, and then I'll freeze and starve to death out there instead of making slow, sweet love to my skinny bride, just as I've planned. That should get me through for sure. But I've missed the mark before and I always wake up again. I must have some unfinished business to take care of.
This was the final work of Arthur Machen's long writing career. It is a collection of 6 stories that all touch on the various preoccupations of his woThis was the final work of Arthur Machen's long writing career. It is a collection of 6 stories that all touch on the various preoccupations of his work that followed him through the years, but its titular story is by far the best known, much anthologised as it has been. ...more
This is a self-published comic series that was of 18 issues released between 1995 and 2005. These books contain 6 issues in each.
It is set in a typicThis is a self-published comic series that was of 18 issues released between 1995 and 2005. These books contain 6 issues in each.
It is set in a typical but fictional English village and blends folk horror with soap opera, think of an amalgam of The Archers and MR James.
It’s a rural gothic with a set of very strange residents that becomes a murder mystery. The artwork is really well done, and the result is entertaining and highly original. ...more
Presented as a collection of found texts, this Bosnian novel begins with its narrator getting out of bed for the first time since his wife left him, nPresented as a collection of found texts, this Bosnian novel begins with its narrator getting out of bed for the first time since his wife left him, nine months previously, and by coincidence there is a knock at the door, a woman who wants his help to find her father. Outside again after nine months, the city has changed beyond recognition. When he starts seeing people from his dreams, and then mythical creatures and monsters, he questions reality.
The nine months in question are those most violent Sarajevo suffered in 1993-4 during the war. The monsters represent people who were previously harmless and went on to commit horrific acts. The novel’s intensity is broken by the unique writing style of Avdić; he uses noir from time to time, there are elements of a detective story, and frequently we are in the realms of horror. It’s a book that demands a second reading, as it is only quite late in the piece where the reader (of the translation) figures out what is going on....more
In this exhilarating novel, Nikolaidis uses a blend of sci-fi, horror, thriller and comedy, to offer a beguiling combination of the mundane and the ouIn this exhilarating novel, Nikolaidis uses a blend of sci-fi, horror, thriller and comedy, to offer a beguiling combination of the mundane and the outlandish.
With evident glee, an unnamed narrator tells twisted tales of terror, all taking place of New Year’s Eve, and abruptly finish with catastrophe. Blood raining from the sky, necrophilia, plane crashes, horror may seem to be at the forefront, but in the background is Nikolaidis satirical commentary on post-Yugoslav societies, exposing the politics, culture and toxic nationalism suffused into the countries today.
Though Bosnian originally, Nikolaidis lives and works from Montenegro, and is one of several writers from the country to be harassed and targeted by the authorities in recent years. ...more
This is a fascinating book whose summary premise quoted for selling purposes could easily put potential readers off.
Unexpected inheritances are nothiThis is a fascinating book whose summary premise quoted for selling purposes could easily put potential readers off.
Unexpected inheritances are nothing new in literature, and in this case the author doesn’t go into much detail to justify such an unlikely occurrence.
Cerys Jones, a single middle-aged office worker in London, seems to be just in the right place at the right time. Visiting her native Pembrokeshire, she shelters from rain in a church where an open coffin is resting. She is alone, and out of respect, though she is not religious, signs the visitor book. Hers is the only signature in the book, which leads to her unlikely inheritance, a magnificently designed house, car, and allowance; though there are rules as to what she can do and how she must live. I was actually put off by the premise, but Owens’s skill is in creating a gradual atmosphere that something isn’t right.
Is it a reward or a punishment? And just exactly who are the overseers? It is best thought of as a sort of fable, with a dusting of folk horror. Rather than contemporary domestic bliss, there’s more of a Shirley Jackson type feel to the writing. Though any of the characters are difficult to warm to, they are not the problem, rather it is the dangers of a capitalist society....more
Martinez is of the belief that all houses are haunted, and it’s just that some of their residents don’t choose to buy into that scenario.
That is not tMartinez is of the belief that all houses are haunted, and it’s just that some of their residents don’t choose to buy into that scenario.
That is not the case however with the young woman who narrates this novel, in turn with her witchlike grandmother.
It begins with the granddaughter’s perspective. Could the worst already happened to her? Her teenage mother was murdered when she was a baby, and now she leads a solitary existence in a cursed house. Amongst her problems are that her teeth have begun to fall out. She has just been released from police custody for an unspecified reason that will be shared midway through the piece. Journalists surround the house trying to pick up a quote that will feed further the rumour’s of the inhabitants of the town. Set in rural Castilla–La Mancha, that saw some of the worst of the civil war, in a suitably old crumbling house, the girl still dreams of escaping to study in Madrid, but it would be against her grandmother’s will. The grandmother’s own mother buried her abusive husband alive within the walls of the house, which seems to have stimulated a craving in it.
In this her debut novel, Martinez’s talents are evident, not only for the voice she gives her characters but also for the atmosphere she creates. Irresistibly hostile, the granddaughter’s narrative give the story a dark humour reminiscent of Shirley Jackson in her hatred for outsiders. Underplayed links to the violence of the civil war give the story perspective and a sense of purpose. It’s a story or revenge, particularly of women’s revenge, and its place in restoring balance and justice. One can sleep better knowing that one’s enemies are dead, and if that is ever doubted, it can be easily checked upon, so close by are their corpses.
Valancourt have the knack of discovering neglected horror and mystery novels that have lain peacefully out of print for years. The majority of those tValancourt have the knack of discovering neglected horror and mystery novels that have lain peacefully out of print for years. The majority of those that I have read, I greatly enjoy, but not so with this. It’s a standard cosy haunted house story with very little that is special to make it stand out. It’s also remarkably low on twists and terror for a horror story, I suspect it is also a bit dated. It might work better marketed towards a young adult audience. ...more
Superb. Surely the best of Maupassant, though just as I was finishing it I became aware of a short story called Am I Mad?, which unfortunately isn’t iSuperb. Surely the best of Maupassant, though just as I was finishing it I became aware of a short story called Am I Mad?, which unfortunately isn’t included here.
When he writes on the subject of insanity few writers can compare, and here several of the stories deal with madness, the best being Diary of a Madman, and Who Knows?. In the stories concerning the more sane, the stand-outs (though that really is a difficult task to do) are The Horla of course, perhaps his best known story, and The Inn, which I have read before in another collection, with the name The Mountain Inn....more
The title work from this collection is absolutely superb.
Bowen's writing and language suits the story so well. Two young titled esquires are riding hThe title work from this collection is absolutely superb.
Bowen's writing and language suits the story so well. Two young titled esquires are riding home, drunk, from Canterbury and take overnight shelter at a poor vassal’s house, Goodie Boyle. The Boyles have an unsavory reputation as being a family of witches.
Right from the start we dislike the two young men; they are rude to the landlady, and mock her. It soon becomes obvious that they will get their comeuppance, but the fun is in finding out exactly how.
It has a great plot, is horrific in several places, and compelling in particular whenever Bowen uses dialogue, which is frequently.
More Bowen please.. this was great.
Read beautifully by Jasper L'Estrange on the Encrypted podcast. His voice is perfect for this story. ...more
This is a satire of Korean life masquerading as a completely over the top horror story similar to what Grady Hendrix does for middle America.
It beginThis is a satire of Korean life masquerading as a completely over the top horror story similar to what Grady Hendrix does for middle America.
It begins with on an exceptionally hot day in a Seoul summer when a young girl, Yuji, is taken to the city’s leading theme park by her bickering parents. She loses them and gets approached by a strange man who offers her jelly sweets.
At the lost children centre she befriends another young girl, and as a friendly gesture adds one of the sweets to the other child’s smoothie, she herself, having not eaten any.
That gesture however turns to disaster as her newly adopted friend turns slowly and painfully to jelly. In just a short space of time, fun-seekers throughout the park begin to melt and turn to jelly.
Cho Yeeun writes the paragraphs of horror particularly well, with dark humour the underlying feature. I always enjoy reading speculative horror, pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the genre. This has its faults, and does seem a bit ridiculous at times, but overall was entertaining. ...more
Published in 1897 this was one of the first novels to be inspired by the Jack The Ripper murders (1888-1891).
The novel follows Aleck Severn, born in Published in 1897 this was one of the first novels to be inspired by the Jack The Ripper murders (1888-1891).
The novel follows Aleck Severn, born in a prison and raised as an orphan after his parents, his mother an alcoholic and his father her murderer were forced to give him up. He inherits wealth from an aunt, and seems set for a successful life, popular in high society and soon married to a beautiful young woman.
Soon however he becomes bored and unsatisfied and locks himself away in an isolated house working on scientific ‘experiments’. Not long after the mutilated body of a young woman is found. Valancourt have recently resurrected this, prior to that it had been a much sought after book by collectors. However, the story itself is predictable and brief. Until the last pages one gets the feeling it’s a story one has heard plenty of times before. It does have a sting in the tail though, a change of pace and a much needed twist. ...more
There are some good ideas here, in a book that is best summarised as Frankenstein Comes to Orkney, but as that title may suggest, it’s hard not to pokThere are some good ideas here, in a book that is best summarised as Frankenstein Comes to Orkney, but as that title may suggest, it’s hard not to poke fun at the tale.
It badly needs some dark humour of its own, to justify a smile rather than let it arrive unsolicited, and some moments of proper horror. It needs suspense, terror or abhorrence even.. something to spice it up. As it is, it comes over as a ‘cosy’ horror, so careful not to upset, perhaps in fear that Ms Shelley herself may turn in her coffin, and get angry. ...more
Strange and unexplained deaths abound on the main east coast railway line running between King’s Cross and Newcastle. Laws is a writer who takes prideStrange and unexplained deaths abound on the main east coast railway line running between King’s Cross and Newcastle. Laws is a writer who takes pride in despatching people in gruesome ways, which works really well here, and gives the book a sort of tongue in cheek dark humour to it. That’s a big help for a book to stand the test of time I think.
The protagonist, Mark Davies, fell from the train himself in what was seen by the police as an attempted suicide. He spent 9 months in a coma, but after getting his life back together decides to investigate what actually happened, though he continues to suffer from realistic and terrible nightmares.
Laws’s writing ensnares from the outset. One soon gets the feeling that the author is really enjoying himself, and want to be a part of the fun.
Personally, I’m not a fan of a thriller-type ending to this sort of book. It’s written in a literary style for much of it, but suddenly moves into sixth gear. I would have preferred something more subtle. But I am aware, that for many of his readers, it will work fine. ...more
I’m interested by the subject matter here, but of the opinion that this would have been better written as a piece of horror fiction. That would have eI’m interested by the subject matter here, but of the opinion that this would have been better written as a piece of horror fiction. That would have enabled Penrose to fill the gaps, supplement her comprehensive research with a best guess of what, on the strength of that, she, as an expert, thinks actually happened.
As it is, it is a fractured tale, and padded out with passages that are less relevant to Bathory’s terrifying catalogue of atrocities. It stimulates engrossment periodically only. More often it sparks inattention. ...more
This debut novel from Canadian / Korean author Ham, is strong on visual imagery. Narrated by University student Yewon, the opening paragraphs concern This debut novel from Canadian / Korean author Ham, is strong on visual imagery. Narrated by University student Yewon, the opening paragraphs concern her mother washing their ancestors’ bones in the family bathtub.
These images, which Ham describes periodically, along with certain motifs of gothic and horror fiction, give the novel something of a false sense of identity. Rather, the theme is one of generational trauma, and of anxiety about what lies ahead.
Yewon lives with her mother in a small town in rural South Korea, studies at the local University, though is considering moving to Seoul, or even Sydney to continue her degree. Her friends have moved away, as has her older sister, who is married. He younger brother has just been conscripted to the army and is stationed on the border with the north. His safety is a constant cause for worry.
Concern only grows when a woman, Mrs Han, a refugee from North Korea, pays Yewon to take her to the prison where her brother resides, whom Ms. Han hasn’t seen for decades. Yewon dreams frequently of a mysterious hotel where the front desk has piles of abandoned notes, a decrepit restaurant where diners stare at empty plates while dust settles, and a swimming pool, still with swimmers, but overtaken by thick green algae.
It’s a fascinating novel, but the two strands of Yewon’s life, the dream and reality, don’t quite connect. I could pick it for a debut novel, but there is enough here to indicate that Ham will be a writer to watch. It would have been easy to root the story in reality, but in experimenting with aspects of horror she has produced something special.
Its theme is firmly embedded in war; it may end, but the legacy of fear lives on. ...more
There is a decent story here, but it is far too long.
It starts out as a zombie tale, something the world needs more of. Its a post-apocalyptic scenarThere is a decent story here, but it is far too long.
It starts out as a zombie tale, something the world needs more of. Its a post-apocalyptic scenario, set in a perpetual summer, but one that is reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s. The dead have returned, but haven't left their graves - they are a sort of ghost of a zombie. They are dangerous, and can kill, but are so slow to move, that the danger they present is slight. A group of young women, led by Rachel, Antonia and Heather taunt them, bored by their circumstances.
This however, is not the focus of the novel. Rachel, Antonia and Heather are determined to get to a town called Almanby, a place that everyone has been told clearly not to go to. The zombies fade into the background and the narrative follows the women on a series of misadventures in what becomes a dreamlike roadtrip novel, far from how it set out.
There is lots of initial promise here, but it all peters out. Gripping from the outset, tiresome after a quarter of it. ...more
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