Books Like...

Casting the Runes by M.R. James is a classic horror short story that revolves around the character of Karswell, a warlock who passes a cursed paper to those who critique his work on demonic alchemy. The plot unfolds as the protagonist, Dunning, receives the cursed paper and realizes his impending doom, leading to a race against time to return it to Karswell. The story is filled with elements of suspense, horror, and supernatural occurrences, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The writing style of M.R. James is described as reserved and dated, yet effective in delivering a sense of unease and growing horror throughout the narrative.

The Old Nurse's Story by Elizabeth Gaskell is a collection of two short stories that showcase the author's talent for crafting gothic tales with eerie atmospheres and intricate family histories. The first story, 'The Old Nurse's Story,' follows a nurse recounting the tragic past of her first charge's family, filled with losses due to lust and pride. As the past resurfaces to haunt the new child in the household, the family must confront their sins. The second story, 'Curious, If True,' takes a different turn with a Victorian protagonist getting lost in the woods and stumbling upon a château filled with strangely familiar guests, blending elements of gothic and literary burlesque genres.

"Berenice" by Edgar Allan Poe is a dark and gritty tale that delves into themes of obsession, illness, and psychological turmoil. The story follows a narrator who becomes fixated on his cousin, Berenice, and her physical and mental deterioration. As the narrator's own mental state deteriorates, the story takes on a dreamlike and hazy quality, leading to a shocking and twisted conclusion. Poe's writing style in this Gothic tale creates a suffocating and ghastly atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and dreams.

Readers praise M.R. James for his mastery in crafting ghost stories that evoke fear and suspense. The stories are described as moody, inventive, and classically scary, appealing to lovers of creepy and sinister tales. The author's works are recommended for those seeking a spooky and safe read, with titles like "A Warning to the Curious" and "Oh, Whistle And I'll Come To You, My Lad" standing out as favorites. The stories often revolve around scholars encountering unusual texts or artifacts and slowly realizing they are in a ghost story, creating a sense of dread and tension.

M.R. James's writing style is commended for being sharply written, slyly composed, and scary as hell, with stories that are quiet, spooky, and filled with ominous tones. The author's ability to create a chilling atmosphere through his narratives, such as in "A Warning to the Curious," is highlighted as a key strength. Readers appreciate the historical backdrop and sense of dread in James's tales, making them both effective and inspirational for those interested in classic horror and folk horror elements.

'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M.R. James is a classic Christmas ghost story that follows Professor Parkins, a young man on a golfing holiday, who discovers a mysterious whistle in some ruins. Upon blowing the whistle, he unleashes a horrifying event that leads to a chilling encounter with a dark shape. The story is written in a traditional ghost story manner, with a dark and foreboding atmosphere that builds up suspense throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds slowly and inexorably, keeping readers gripped until the end.

The writing style of M.R. James in this book is praised for its attention to detail, which brings the characters to life and creates a contemporary feel despite being published in 1904. The beginning and middle of the story are highlighted for their outstanding job in building suspense, while the ending is noted as leaving a bit to be desired by some readers, feeling somewhat stunted. Overall, the book is considered a gripping and relentless old-fashioned ghost story that relies on suspense rather than violence or gore to evoke a sense of eeriness.

'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book' by M.R. James is a collection of ghost stories that masterfully evoke dread and fear in the readers. The plot centers around various encounters with supernatural entities, haunted documents, and terrifying creatures that leave a lasting impact on those who experience them. M.R. James' writing style is described as detailed, visceral, and genuinely scary, with elements of historical horror and a focus on the eerie and unsettling.

"The Room in the Tower" by E.F. Benson is a classic and well-loved short story that revolves around a man experiencing recurring nightmares about a house, which eventually becomes a reality when he stays at a friend's place. The narrative captures the inexplicable horror of a nightmare and has a nightmarish vibe, reminiscent of stories by Lovecraft. The story is described as having a vampire element, with a build-up that creates a creepy atmosphere but might have a slightly disappointing climax.

E.F. Benson's writing style in "The Room in the Tower" is praised for its ability to convey the horror and suspense of a nightmare effectively. The story is said to be engaging, creepy, and captivating, leaving a lasting impact on readers. The author's skill in creating a sense of dread and mystery is highlighted, making this short story a memorable and chilling read.