Books Like...

'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.

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.

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 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.

"Randalls Round" by Eleanor Scott is a collection of 9 ghost stories first published in 1929. The tales delve into eerie folk dances, ancient rituals, cursed antiquaries, and haunted manor houses. The writing style is reminiscent of M.R. James and E.F. Benson, with a focus on quiet hauntings, hidden secrets, and a touch of folklore. The stories are characterized by their lively, witty, and utterly chilling narratives, often leaving room for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps.

Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novel set in the mid-1800s, following the story of Maud Ruthyn, a young heiress placed under the guardianship of her mysterious and possibly dangerous uncle, Silas. As Maud navigates her uncle's secluded estate, Bartram Haugh, she encounters a cast of eerie characters including her uncouth cousin Dudley, a malevolent French governess, and her enigmatic uncle Silas. The plot unfolds with dark conspiracies, suspicions of murder, and a sense of impending danger, all wrapped in a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Le Fanu's writing style in Uncle Silas is described as deliciously slow-building, classic gothic at its best, and filled with chilling suspense and atmospheric tension. The novel intricately weaves elements of horror, mystery, and psychological intrigue, drawing readers into a world of eerie happenings, creepy characters, and a sense of foreboding that culminates in a nail-biting conclusion.

'The Bog' by Michael Talbot is a horror novel that blends suspense, fantasy, and elements of magical realism. The story follows a group of characters as they uncover ancient mysteries in a small English village, leading them to confront evil forces and supernatural occurrences. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with vivid imagery and well-developed characters that immerse readers in a Lovecraftian tale intertwined with historical trivia and elements of wizardry.