This time of year, when it turns cooler and the nights draw in, is ideal for indulging in a bit of spooky reading. Nothing too awful or gruesome, one just wants to that certain kind of atmosphere and a good story that perhaps sends a chill, but doesn't freeze the blood to ice! So generally that means old tales (though there are modern writers such as Susan Hill, who fit in with the classics), such as classic ghost stories and stories of suspense, these tend to have everything you are looking for. Modern settings and everything that comes with that do not do anything for me.
M.R. James was a master of the ghost story and one can't go wrong in choosing him.
An anthology of various authors in this genre is a good way to enjoy spooky tales too, as you can read through or pick and choose. Despite not believing in ghosts, I enjoy reading ghostly tales and legends.
Two books I found this year on eerie Scottish tales:
Of course, with it being Halloween, 'Hallowe'en Party' by Agatha Christie, is ideal.
Settle down comfortably and lose yourself in a thrilling tale or two, just be sure all the doors and windows are locked...
I know I am a bit late in commenting here on your excellent selection of ghost related tales, but just wanted to say that M.R. James has to be hands down, the supreme ghost story writer for me ~ and then others in that genre. ~ I don't know how long you've owned your copy of Haunted Britain by A. Hippisley Coxe, but I stumbled upon it just a year after it's publication and fell in love with it~ I cannot tell you how many hr.'s I spent immersed in and imagining visiting so many of the places he wrote about and visited~ The b&w photos are so evocative too~ Of course there have many more written in this style since then, but before I found his book I had not read such an anthology in which the author had actually toured county by county all the sites listed. (it still remains a favorite although I have many more on the same subject now ) I think you are only the second other person I have met who has this book. My ghostly readings are not confined just to October either but enjoy reading ghostly tales(and mysteries from the golden age of mystery writing ) all during the winter when the nights are longer and seem perfect for such tales ~ I am in fact reading a book right now on accounts of alleged real ghostly encounters~ entitled The 100 Best British Ghost Stories by Gillian Bennett~ beginning with accounts from the 17th c and going up to the 20thc.
ReplyDeleteHello! It's never too late to comment on anything here! Yes, I agree about M.R. James being the best ghost story writer. 'Haunted Britain' is a fascinating book to browse through indeed! I'm glad you've enjoyed it so much, don't think I've seen anyone else mention it but you as well; mine was found in a secondhand bookshop about five years ago. I remember buying a few books and on the way out it caught my eye. The one you're reading now sounds rather spooky, and I confess that it doesn't take much to frighten me, so only read things like that sporadically. Yesterday I got down three mysteries all set at Christmas, so will settle down to at least one of those this month.
ReplyDeleteLOri, Have you come across any of the British Library Crime Classics series? Reprints of classic golden age mysteries ? I currently am reading some which you can dip into as fancy takes~ One is lovely since it is seasonal (I think you also favor reading a lot of things by season like I do~ not exclusively of course, but I do like seeking out novels, stories etc that are set in the current season , whatever that may be ~ This one I am reading now is entitled Crimson Snow : Winter Mysteries with stories/ mysteries by 11 different writers (Margery Allingham is one ) and the other by same publishers , "Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries" I have only read a couple of stories from each but if you have not explored these yet (and there are many!) you might want to give them a try Do forgive me if you have mentioned any from the British Library Crime Classics before so that I am telling you something you are already familiar with. They publish single author's books as well~ My local library( miraculously) has recently obtained several so I have lots to choose from now.
DeleteOoh, yes, Valkrye! An excellent mention! I have a stack of them, got some in a lot together two or three years ago, but have only read two of them so far. I have 'Mystery In White' which is a Christmas mystery and was thinking of reading that, but last night I settled on one that I've had for many years and had not got to yet, 'The Dons and Mr. Dickens: The Strange Case of the Oxford Christmas Plot' by William Palmer. There are several more of those British Library Crime Classics that I'd like to have, and aren't the covers lovely?! I hope you'll let me know how you like those two you are reading. Yes, seasonal reading is something I like to do indeed, always have a look through the Christmas books.
DeleteOh good! I had a feeling you would already know of these. I am not familiar with the book you are reading currently but am intrigued. Perhaps you will let me know what you thought of it once you have finished it. I DO love the covers~ I suppose that it what first caught my eye as they are so reminiscent of book covers from the 20's and 30's and some are taken from the great old travel posters of the past. Yes, I would be more than happy to let you know my thoughts on the two I have on the go right now~ I am hoping they will be good as they certainly appear promising anyway. I think it would be great fun to be able to have the chance to share a cup of tea with you and have some extended time to converse about books and films and such~ I am so often amazed after reading your posts, how much our tastes mirror one another's! Happy reading until next time.
DeleteYes, I will let you know, and I need to get on with it, have not been reading enough this month. Thank you, I would be very glad to know your thoughts on those books! Awww, oh yes, a teatime chat would be delightful; no doubt we would chat away for some time! I always like to read your excellent comments, lovely to find someone with such good taste in books! Merry Christmas!
DeleteHope you have a very lovely Solstice , Yuletide / Christmas ~ I hope it will be full of love , laughter and a bit of spangly, sparkling December magic . Thank you for the fine compliment~ May I say, I find you also possess excellent taste in books and music (smile)
DeleteJust had a thought~ I suppose you will already have read John Masefield's brilliant "Box of Delights' as well as Lucy Boston's The Children of Green Knowe (and sequels) Always perennial favorites for me and lovely to revisit at Christmas ( I love the BBC 1980's tv version of Box of Delight's " which I also re-watch every Christmas on an old VHS tape!
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I'm sorry I missed this one, Valkrye. Oh yes, I absolutely love both of those, the books and the adaptations, which I have on DVD; such wonderful stories, they've become a tradition!
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