Books Like...

M.R. James' 'Lost Hearts' is a collection of old ghost stories with a mix of madness, murder, and dark secrets. The book features tales of morality, curses, and eerie occurrences, drawing inspiration from classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Maupassant. Set in old houses in the countryside, the stories revolve around vulnerable characters facing sinister motives and haunting revelations. The writing style is described as traditional, atmospheric, and psychologically intense, capturing the essence of ghostly tales from different eras.

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.

'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 Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions is a ghost story that delves into themes of obsession, possession, and deteriorating mental health. The writing style is described as subtle, eerie, and surreal, drawing readers in with imagery flickering like candlelight in a darkened room. The protagonist, Oleron, becomes obsessed with a female ghost haunting the house he rents, gradually losing contact with the outside world and succumbing to a nameless horror that seems to take over his thoughts.

The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a modern gothic novel that follows the story of Gerard Freeman as he delves into the mystery of his mother's past and unearths dark secrets best left buried. The narrative is interspersed with Victorian ghost stories written by Gerard's grandmother, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot. The book is described as a wonderfully literary ghost story with a captivating atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the end, despite some mixed opinions on the ending itself.

'Smoke Ghost' in the series 'Short Story Collections' by author Fritz Leiber is a compilation of dark fantasy, horror, and outré stories that delve into terrifying places and surreal experiences within contemporary city settings. Leiber's writing style brings to life concrete, steel, glass, and wood in eerie ways, creating compelling prose filled with interesting characters facing strange situations and memorable scenes. The stories range from modern world unease and malevolence to post-apocalyptic glimpses, all infused with Leiber's trademark mix of imagination, awe, unease, and humor.

'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.